Various lip deformities, either congenital or after injury, can be improved by carefully planned minor surgery. Narrow lips can be made wider and wide lips, frequently seen in the black population, can be made narrower.

    Some surgical techniques utilize an incision along the vermillion border, Fig.34. Others are associated with incisions inside the mouth. At times, an implant (soft tissue augmentation material) can be used alone, or in conjunction with other methods. This procedure requires, more than other operations, proper understanding of the technique and possible side effects on the part of the patient.

    A liquid diet, through a straw, is required for a few days following surgery. Lipstick can be applied three days after the sutures have been removed.

Figure 34a

Figure 34b