The lips are an important feature of the face as well. When you smile, they add charm and beauty to your expression. For those who have issues with the shape of their lips, such as thick lips or any deformities caused by accidents, lip surgery, such as lip reduction or lip reshaping (e.g., Cupid’s bow lip surgery), can help resolve these problems and enhance your facial aesthetics.
It boosts your confidence, whether it’s when presenting at work, engaging in activities, or meeting new people, as well as aligning with the belief in face reading (Huang Heung). Nowadays, lip enhancement procedures, such as lip thinning or cupid’s bow lip surgery, have become increasingly popular, just like double eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty, to create a more balanced and natural facial appearance.
How to make a bird’s-eye lip shape
For a cupid’s bow lip surgery, the doctor will first assess and draw the desired lip shape as discussed with the patient. Then, the surgeon will remove excess skin and muscle from the upper lip area. Finally, the incision is stitched from the inside of the lip to create a defined dip at the center, forming the signature “cupid’s bow” shape.
The shape of the lips will settle into a beautiful, defined form within 1–3 months.
How to make your lips thin
The procedure for lip reduction is quite similar to that of lip reshaping (Cupid’s bow surgery). The doctor will first assess and draw the desired lip shape as agreed upon with the patient. Then, a portion of the inner lip and the adjacent oral mucosa will be carefully removed. The area is then sutured using dissolvable stitches, which helps reduce the height of the lips and make them appear thinner.
The shape of the lips will settle into a beautiful and natural form within 1–3 months.
Surgery time
The doctor will take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to perform the surgery. After the procedure, there is no need to stay overnight at the clinic.
Things to know about oral surgery
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly after surgery. Avoid brushing your teeth for the first 3 days. Instead, rinse your mouth regularly or use a small toothbrush. After cleaning the wound, apply an antibacterial ointment to keep the area moist at all times.
- Do not use your tongue to push or your hands to pull the stitches inside your mouth. Be careful when smiling—avoid smiling too widely in the beginning as it may cause bleeding.
- Apply cold and warm compresses. Use a cold compress around the mouth for the first 3 days, then switch to a warm compress for the next 3 days.
- Avoid spicy, sour, or highly flavored foods, as well as foods that are too hot or too cold.
- Drink water using a straw. You should drink plenty of water with a straw.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages or smoke cigarettes.
