Cheiloplasty

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In simple medical terms, cheiloplasty is plastic surgery to repair lip defects.  Cheiloplasty, in general, refers to a surgical modification of the lips or a lip. It is a simple cosmetic surgical technique that gives the lips the volume, shape, and sensuality necessary for beautifying and rejuvenating the face. Read More

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Cheiloplasty

What is cheiloplasty?

In simple medical terms, cheiloplasty is plastic surgery to repair lip defects. 

Cheiloplasty, in general, refers to a surgical modification of the lips or a lip. It is a simple cosmetic surgical technique that gives the lips the volume, shape, and sensuality necessary for beautifying and rejuvenating the face.

One can adopt a the procedure to correct congenital or acquired anatomical alterations (deformities) of the lips, lip reduction, or lip augmentation for functional or cosmetic purposes.

The procedure is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under local anesthetic and takes an average of 40 to 60 minutes.

How is a cheiloplasty procedure done? 

  • Incisions are made on mucous lips.
  • Mucous flaps are exfoliated and shifted in the designated direction.
  • Resorbable(absorbable) sutures are then made on the lip’s skin.
  • A mucosal excision with preoperative marking is made.
  • Excision of the skin under the nose is performed.
  • Tissues are then tightened and stitched.

What happens after the procedure?

  • A hospital stay is required after a cheiloplasty procedure for quite a few hours.
  • Swelling of the lips may persist for 2 to 3 weeks.
  • The sutures are dissolved within 2 to 3 weeks and require processing with an antiseptic solution.

What are the types of cheiloplasty?

There are three types 

  • Augmentation cheiloplasty (or lip augmentation): This cheiloplasty surgery is carried out on thin lips or lips that have lost their volume due to facial aging.

This cheiloplasty surgery may be done using three techniques:

    1. An augmentation using fats obtained from the buccal fat pads or fat deposits from the cheeks.
    2. An augmentation using hyaluronic acid or smooth calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres with properties that immediately hydrate, revitalize, and rejuvenate the lips. The result of this procedure usually lasts for 9-12months approximately.
    3. Lip Implant such as alloderm consists of the acellular human cadaveric dermis. This procedure is a permanent treatment.

These procedures offer excellent results. The lips acquire a natural, young, healthy, and fresh appearance.

  • Reduction cheiloplasty: This is a less frequently used cheiloplasty surgery. It is adopted for overdeveloped lips that are not in harmony with their other facial features.
  • Corrective cheiloplasty: This cheiloplasty surgery is the option for patients who have suffered alterations in their lips due to tumors, trauma, burns, or lesions. It is also the cheiloplasty surgery option for congenital alterations, such as a harelip.

Can I consider cheiloplasty?

You may consider it if

  • You have thin lips and want to increase their volume.
  • Your lips are too thick and want to reduce their volume.
  • You have a congenital disorder.
  • Your lips have been affected by some disease.
  • You once underwent some previous treatment that failed.

It is important to note that the surgery may not suit some people with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. 

What is the likely outcome of a cheiloplasty?

  • Beautiful redesign of the lips.
  • A restructure of the proportion of the upper lip to the lower lip.
  • Adequacy of the lips size.

Complications of Cheiloplasty

A few of the complications are:

  • Infections
  • Bleeding, poor wound healing
  • Irregular healing of scars
  • Lip discoloration, residual irregularities
  • Anesthesia risks, swelling due to blood clots
  • Injury to the nerves, blood vessels