Abstract
Aesthetic concerns have become increasingly important in modern society as individuals seek to improve their facial harmony and overall appearance. Aesthetic dentistry plays a crucial role not only in addressing common dental issues such as misaligned, discolored, or decayed teeth but also in enhancing the components that contribute to a pleasing smile, including the teeth, gums, and lips. The lips, in particular, are a vital aesthetic and functional feature of the face, influencing expressions, speech, and facial balance. Lip augmentation is a significant procedure within aesthetic dentistry that aims to improve lip volume, shape, and symmetry. This can be achieved through both non-surgical techniques such as dermal fillers and various surgical interventions, including lip lengthening and lip reduction procedures. These treatments complement dental aesthetics by creating a harmonious balance between the perioral tissues and dentofacial structures. The combination of lip enhancement procedures with other dental treatments provides a holistic approach to smile design, boosting patient confidence and contributing to improved psychosocial wellbeing. This review focuses on the surgical methods, materials used, indications, and clinical outcomes associated with lip lengthening and reduction techniques. Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of these procedures in correcting aesthetic and functional concerns such as excessive gingival display, asymmetry, and lip volume irregularities. By synthesizing current knowledge and clinical evidence, this article highlights the importance of individualized treatment planning to achieve natural-looking results that enhance both appearance and function in aesthetic dentistry.
Keywords: Aesthetics, Cheiloplasty, Cosmetic Surgeries, Facial harmony, Lip Lengthening, Lip Reduction.