Lip reshaping: Cupid's bow, upturned corners or lip reduction, with the incision hidden inside
Adjusts the shape and thickness of the lips with minor surgery along the inner lip border or the junction with the mucosa, so the scar is hidden once healed. Performed under local anaesthetic in about 45–90 minutes.
What lip reshaping is
Lips that are too full, protruding or indistinct in shape affect the proportions of the lower face more than most people expect. Lip reshaping removes an elliptical or custom-designed strip of excess inner mucosa and sutures the lip so the border rolls inwards or lifts into the desired shape. The incision lies inside, at the junction between the red of the lip and the oral mucosa, so it is not visible from the outside once healed. It can be done on the upper lip, lower lip or both, and suits people whose lips are out of proportion, whose lower lip protrudes clearly beyond the upper, or who want a sharper lip shape. It is not suitable for people with frequent cold sores, current mouth ulcers or a history of severe keloids.
Popular shapes and lip reduction
| Style | Appearance | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Cupid's bow lips | The upper lip has two clearly defined peaks at the centre (Cupid's bow); the lower lip is full in the middle and tapers at the corners | A flat upper lip border with no ridge, wanting a sweet, soft look |
| Upturned corners | Both corners of the upper lip are lifted into an upward curve, so the mouth looks slightly smiling even at rest | Downturned mouth corners, or wanting a sharper, more confident look |
| Lip reduction | An elliptical strip of inner mucosa 5–10 mm wide is removed and the border sutured to roll inwards | Lips out of proportion, a protruding lower lip, or lips swollen by non-dissolvable filler injected in the past |
Preparing for surgery
- Basic blood tests if sedation is needed, and tell us about any history of cold sores; the doctor may prescribe antiviral medication in advance
- Stop medicines and supplements that increase bleeding for 2 weeks
- No smoking or alcohol for 2 weeks, because the lips heal slowly when circulation is poor
- If you have had lip filler before, tell us the type and when it was injected
Surgery day
Recovery
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, temporary numbness or altered taste, a firm ridge along the incision for several weeks and a cold sore flare-up. Contact the clinic immediately if one side of the lip becomes rapidly more swollen, tight and hard, bleeding does not stop, the wound has pus or an odour, you have a fever or blisters appear around the mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have thin lips and want them fuller. Do I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Surgery suits reducing thickness and reshaping, while adding fullness is better achieved with HA filler or fat transfer. Dr. Kate will help you choose the option that matches your goal.
Will the scar be visible?
The incision is at the inner junction of the lip. Once healed, it is not visible at rest or during normal conversation. A faint line may be seen when the lip is rolled outwards during the first 1–3 months.
Will sensation in my lips change?
At first you may feel numbness or tightness from swelling and the small skin nerves that are cut. Most people return to normal in 4–12 weeks. Lip movement does not change because the muscles are not involved.
How long does the result of lip reduction last?
Because tissue is actually removed, the shape is long-lasting. The lips do thin with age, however, and are affected by smoking and sun exposure, so the surgeon usually designs the result to leave a little fullness.
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