Cheiloplasty is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure that aims to correct or improve the appearance, structure, and function of the lips. Derived from the Greek words "cheilos" meaning "lips" and "plastos" meaning "molded" or "formed," cheiloplasty is commonly performed for cosmetic, reconstructive, or functional reasons.
In cosmetic cheiloplasty, the procedure is primarily undertaken to enhance the appearance of the lips. This may involve reshaping, augmenting, or reducing the size of the lips to achieve a desired aesthetic result. Common techniques used in cosmetic cheiloplasty include lip augmentation with fillers or implants, lip reduction through excision of excess tissue, or lip reshaping by altering the lip contours.
Reconstructive cheiloplasty is employed to repair or reconstruct lips that have been damaged due to trauma, congenital abnormalities, or diseases. This type of cheiloplasty often involves repairing cleft lips, where a separation or gap exists in the upper lip. Through surgical techniques, the cleft can be closed, restoring both the appearance and functionality of the lips.
Lastly, cheiloplasty may also have functional purposes. It can be performed to correct lip incompetence, where the lips fail to fully close during activities such as eating or speaking. By tightening the muscles around the lips, functional cheiloplasty aims to improve lip function and prevent issues such as drooling or difficulty articulating certain sounds.
Overall, cheiloplasty encompasses a range of surgical techniques that address various concerns related to the lips, including cosmetic enhancement, reconstructive repair, and functional improvement.
