What It Is
Perioral lip lines excision is a surgical procedure that removes deep vertical wrinkles or “smoker’s lines” around the lips. These fine lines often form due to aging, sun exposure, smoking, or repetitive lip movement. Unlike non-surgical treatments that temporarily soften wrinkles, excision physically removes and tightens the skin, producing longer-lasting results.
In Korea, perioral lip line excision is performed with advanced microsurgical techniques to minimize scarring and maintain natural lip movement. Surgeons often combine this procedure with other perioral rejuvenation methods—such as fat grafting or laser resurfacing—for comprehensive results.
Why It’s Done
Cosmetic Purposes:
- Removes deep vertical wrinkles around the lips
- Restores a smoother, youthful appearance to the mouth area
- Improves lipstick “bleeding” into fine lines
- Enhances overall facial rejuvenation
Patient Considerations:
- Common among patients in their 40s–70s with significant skin laxity
- Popular among individuals who smoke or have sun damage, leading to deeper lines
- Suitable for healthy, non-smoking patients seeking permanent wrinkle correction
Alternatives
- Dermal Fillers: Fill in fine lines temporarily (lasts 6–12 months)
- Fat Grafting: Adds volume to smooth wrinkles naturally
- Laser Resurfacing / Chemical Peels: Improve skin texture and mild wrinkles
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Reduces dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement
- Dermabrasion / Microneedling: Stimulates collagen for smoother skin, but less effective for deep lines
Preparation
Patients preparing for perioral lip line excision in Korea undergo:
- Consultation: Skin and wrinkle evaluation, discussion of goals, and surgical planning
- Medical Check: Blood tests and general health review
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Stop smoking, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications before surgery
- Anesthesia Planning: Typically local anesthesia with sedation; general anesthesia if combined with other facial surgeries
How It’s Done
Type: Minor surgical procedure, outpatient basis
Duration: 1–2 hours depending on the extent of wrinkles
Procedure Steps:
- Small, precise markings made along the deepest lip lines
- Fine incisions performed to remove excess skin and wrinkles
- Skin edges are carefully sutured for smooth closure
- In some cases, combined fat grafting or resurfacing is added for optimal rejuvenation
Hospitalization: Outpatient; patients go home the same day
Recovery
- First Week: Mild swelling, redness, and tightness around the lips
- Pain Management: Usually mild, controlled with oral medications
- Sutures: Removed within 5–7 days (if non-dissolvable)
- Downtime: Most patients resume daily activities in 5–7 days; mild redness may persist longer
- Scar Healing: Fine scars fade over time and are often barely visible within natural skin creases
- Final Results: Noticeable after 1–2 months; continue to improve over 3–6 months
Possible Complications
- Temporary swelling, redness, or tightness
- Visible scarring (minimized with meticulous suturing and scar care)
- Mild asymmetry if healing differs between sides
- Infection (rare with proper aftercare)
- Overcorrection or undercorrection requiring revision
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
Korean clinics use:
- Skin Quality Assessments to evaluate wrinkle depth
- Digital Imaging to preview surgical outcomes
- Surgeon Consultations to plan excision and combined treatments
Medical Treatments
For less severe wrinkles:
- Fillers or fat grafting for volume restoration
- Laser resurfacing or chemical peels for skin texture improvement
- Botox for dynamic wrinkles around the lips
Surgical or Advanced Therapies
- Direct Lip Line Excision: For deep, stubborn vertical wrinkles
- Combined Fat Grafting + Excision: Restores volume and smoothness simultaneously
- Hybrid Rejuvenation: Excision paired with laser or peel for long-term refinement
Rehabilitation and Support
- Regular follow-up visits for scar monitoring
- Scar care therapies (silicone gel, laser treatments) provided in many Korean clinics
- International patient support: translation, concierge recovery services, and post-surgical monitoring
