Lip reconstruction may be considered for both functional and cosmetic purposes. It can help to achieve a balanced relationship between the upper and lower lips, enhance facial appearance by modifying the lips while maintaining their normal function, or may be done to correct abnormalities.

It alters the posture of the lips by removing some of the excess tissue or changes its shape to correct abnormal defects. In the reconstructive process, there may be more incisions and/or donor sites created to harvest the tissue used for closure. These incisions will form scars that will heal and fade over time. Additional procedures may be needed such as scar revisions, flap division, and inset, and scar care after the area of lip surgery is healed.

Lip reconstruction remains challenging and is very important to go to an experienced and certified doctor for optimal advise.

Prior to the procedure:

• Don’t eat or drink for 6 hours before surgery.
• Stop smoking in the weeks before and after surgery.
• Don’t drink alcohol, which can interfere with anesthesia, for 48 hours beforehand.
• Up to 2 weeks beforehand, avoid aspirin and any blood-thinning medications.

The procedure begins with local/ general anesthesia as each case requires.

The exact location where the incision will be made depends on the type of reconstruction and shape of the lips. Sutures will be put on for up to a week after.

There is very little downtime expected. Most people can resume work the day after the procedure.

• Patients may experience swelling and bruising. Ice pack would be helpful 
• You may need to switch to soft food for the first week until the healing begins.
• All stitches are likely to be removed in one week.
• Normal activity can be resumed in 3 weeks.
• Scar care will be started at the three-week point after surgery to help fade scars. Dermabrasion and laser resurfacing may be needed to help flatten the areas of reconstruction.
• Plan to rest for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and smoking in the weeks after.
• Avoid sleeping on your face or opening your mouth too wide.
• Use a small toothbrush and brush carefully.
• Keep your lips moisturized.
• Clean the incisions following the doctor’s recommendations.

The results of lip reconstruction become gradually apparent as the days pass after surgery and swelling recede. Two to three weeks are needed before healing is complete Patients with realistic goals for lip reconstruction are generally satisfied with the new shape of the lips and can be appreciated almost immediately. The exact results depend on the patient’s lip volume and scar healing abilities.

Complications of plastic surgery include:

• Scarring.
• Poor wound healing or scarring.
• Blood loss during or after surgery.
• Nerve damage.
• Allergic reactions to anesthesia.