What Is The Revision Rate In Lip Reduction Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I admire your plastic surgery work. Your lip reduction procedures are amazing. I had one back in December of last year and I am not pleased. Having your hand along another journey of having my 2nd lip reduction procedure would be great.

A: Lip reduction surgery is relatively straightforward and there is a limited number of ways to do them. What about your prior lip reduction surgery was not satisfactory…amount of reduction?  scar location? Please send me some pictures of your lips both before and presently of your lips for my assessment. It would not be rare that secondary or revisional procedures are needed for lip reductions to get the maximal amount of lip reduction and symmetry. The lip tissues are unique and are different than skin. They are very flexible, swell more, are composed of two different types of tissues (mucosa and vermilion), are a surface that is exposed to immediate trauma after surgery (eating) and has a white background behind it. (teeth) These factors make lip reduction surgery somewhat unpredictable and highly prone to exacting scrutiny. In my experience, the risk of revisional surgery with this operation is as high as 50% for optimal results.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana