Introduction to Lip Reduction
Lip reduction surgery refines and balances overly full lips to create natural, harmonious proportions. Dr. Ho uses techniques to achieve smooth, symmetrical results that enhance facial balance while preserving each patient’s unique expression.
What is Lip Reduction?
Lip reduction in Philadelphia is a procedure designed to reduce the appearance of an overly prominent lip. In the appropriate candidate, lip reduction surgery achieves more natural and proportionate lips that are harmonious with the rest of the face.
Dr. Tina Ho’s approach to lip reduction surgery is conservative: She avoids removing excessive lip mucosa or tissue that may otherwise put the patient at risk of an overcorrected and unnatural result.
Her thorough knowledge of lip anatomy combined with her artistic intuition as a fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon ensures natural results. With her specialized skills and experience, she is able to achieve aesthetically pleasing results for every lip reduction patient. Dr. Tina Ho attracts patients from all over the greater Philadelphia and Main Line region as well as from out of state.
Peer-Reviewed Publication on Lip Reduction
Dr. Thuy-Van Tina Ho co-authored a peer-reviewed article on lip reduction surgery published in Facial Plastic Surgery (2025), covering candidacy, technique, and postoperative care.
Read on PubMed: “Lip Reduction” (PMID: 40436396) • DOI: 10.1055/a-2622-3141
Why Choose Dr. Tina Ho?
Dr. Tina Ho stands out among other surgeons in Philadelphia and Wayne as a female, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with dedicated training in facial rejuvenation surgery. Unlike general plastic surgeons, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck.
She understands that a facial rejuvenation, whether surgical or non-surgical, is both an art and a science — a highly detailed and complex procedure that requires technical precision and an artistic eye to achieve natural, harmonious results. Dr. Ho stays at the forefront of modern products and techniques to deliver the most refined and lasting outcomes for her patients.
From the initial consultation to every follow-up visit, Dr. Ho maintains an unwavering commitment to each patient. She takes the time to listen, plan, and tailor every step of the rejuvenation process to align with the patient’s unique anatomy for realistic aesthetic goals and ensure each person feels confident, supported, and deeply satisfied with their results. Her approach focuses on preserving the patient’s natural appearance while maximizing safety and minimizing recovery time.
Dr. Ho received advanced fellowship training under world-renowned facial plastic surgeons Dr. Dean Toriumi and Dr. Steven Dayan. Dr. Ho continually refines her surgical knowledge and techniques to offer the best outcomes for her patients by regularly attending national and international aesthetic meetings and learning from leading plastic surgeons across the country in the operating room setting. Her expertise extends across all aspects of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Ho is recognized regionally and beyond as one of Philadelphia and the Maine Line’s most trusted female facial plastic surgeons, with patients traveling from throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York to seek her expertise.
Am I an Ideal Candidates for Lip Reduction?
Lip reduction may be performed in patients who naturally developed overly prominent lips or who suffer this issue from a previous lip augmentation procedure involving a permanent implant or filler product that cannot be easily removed. One common foreign body that requires removal in lip reduction surgery is silicone filler or implant. It is also an excellent option for patients with lip asymmetries. Either the upper lip or lower lip or both lips may be suitable for reduction depending on size and proportion. Dr. Ho’s ideal aesthetic for the lips is a 1:2 height ratio for the upper lip to the lower lip.
The best candidates for lip reduction surgery are patients who do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking for several weeks before the procedure. These patients must also avoid smoking during recovery. Smoking increases the chance of complications and can prolong the recovery process.
If you have an inflammatory or autoimmune condition, this may affect your candidacy for lip reduction surgery. Patients with frequent mouth sores must discuss this issue with Dr. Ho. Any infections in the mouth area must be addressed before patients can undergo lip reduction.
Enhance Your Recovery with Elixir MD
The Elixir MD™ is an innovative recovery tool that offers various treatment programs using different LED light wavelengths to achieve specific pre and post-surgical goals. These programs are supported by advanced artificial intelligence temperature controls and adjustable settings to address a range of concerns and goals. This non-invasive therapy is safe, painless, and can reduce infections after surgery while also enhancing recovery and minimizing scarring after rhinoplasty surgery.
Benefits of Elixir MD
Enhanced post-operative recovery after rhinoplasty. Using LED light, Elixir MD™ stimulates the skin to accelerate wound healing and minimize scarring post-surgery.
Improved healing and cellular repair. Specific wavelengths stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healing after surgery.
Easier rhinoplasty recovery. Reduces inflammation responsible for swelling and pain after surgery.
Improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Enhances the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste for optimal healing.
Elixir MD Treatment Programs for Rhinoplasty
Elixir Detox
This pre-operative therapy uses blue light to reduce the number of bacteria, oils, and toxins on the skin, reducing surgical complications such as infection.
Elixir Cellular Repair
Post-rhinoplasty, Cellular Repair uses yellow light to improve circulation, reducing bruising and swelling, accelerating healing, and shortening recovery.
Elixir NeoXcell
The NeoXcell™ treatment program combines the benefits of Elixir Cellular and Thermal to boost healing and balance melanin production for a more even skin tone.
Elixir RoXium
RoXium™ uses yellow and blue light to reduce swelling/bruising, prevent skin oxidation, decrease sebum, minimize pores, and clear the complexion.
How Much Does a Lip Reduction Cost in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, lip reduction surgery can range from $4,000 to $7,000 depending on many different factors that must be considered, such as whether the procedure involves one or both lips. While the majority of lip reduction surgeries can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, more complicated procedures may require a trip to the operating room, which can increase the overall costs. Other factors that play a role in determining the cost include:
IS LIP REDUCTION SURGERY COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Lip reduction surgery is classified as a cosmetic procedure and therefore is not covered by health insurance plans. As this procedure will be paid out-of-pocket, Dr. Ho will go over the expected costs with you to help you make a more informed decision.
ARE FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE?
Yes. Financing options are available that can allow you to pay for the procedure over time. Tina Ho MD, Facial Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit as a financing option with a first six months deferred interest plan.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A CONSULTATION
An examination of the lips and face will be performed to determine if a lip reduction is appropriate. A medical history will be obtained to ensure no contraindications to the procedure are present. Lip reduction before and after photos can be reviewed to get a good idea of the expected results. Finally, Dr. Ho will discuss your goals and desires and develop a customized plan to provide the best results.
Real Patients, Real Results
Patient Testimonials
4.9 stars rating from 298 reviews
RealSelf
5 stars rating from 168 reviews
As Seen In
Dr. Tina Ho in the Press
Dr. Tina Ho has been featured in leading media publications that highlight her expertise in facial plastic surgery.
Related Procedures
Explore additional procedures that complement a your procedure for balanced, natural-looking rejuvenation.
