A doctor in a white coat examines a woman's nose with a tool while holding a round mirror in front of her face.

Lip Reconstruction Surgery

Lip reconstruction surgery becomes necessary for a few main reasons — most often skin cancer and trauma. Because the lips are constantly exposed to the sun, they’re a frequent site for skin cancer, and Mohs surgery to remove it can leave a defect requiring careful reconstruction. Accidents can tear, burn, or remove lip tissue, calling for grafts to rebuild and recontour the lips. Residents of Reno and Lake Tahoe are fortunate to have this level of reconstructive care close to home at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute.

Rebuilding a lip means restoring both a natural appearance and full function — eating, speaking, and expression — which makes it among the more demanding reconstructions in facial surgery. Dr. Erez Dayan is exceptionally equipped for it. Voted Best Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Nevada, he trained in the Harvard Plastic Surgery Program — serving as Chief Resident at Massachusetts General Hospital, including time on the face transplant team — before an elite fellowship at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, where he was one of only two surgeons selected. A board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Medical Director of Avance Plastic Surgery Institute whose expertise is sought by patients and physicians worldwide, he frequently works alongside Mohs dermatologists to restore the lips. Lip reconstruction is one of the practice’s lip cosmetic procedures.

Lip Reconstruction After Skin Cancer and Trauma

Skin cancer and trauma each present different reconstructive challenges. After Mohs skin cancer surgery removes cancerous tissue layer by layer, the resulting defect — small or large — needs to be closed and recontoured so the lip looks and functions normally. Trauma from auto or sports accidents can tear, burn, or remove lip tissue, sometimes requiring tissue grafts to rebuild the lip entirely. In every case, Dr. Dayan tailors the reconstruction to the specific defect, working to restore a natural, functional result.

“The lips define so much of a person’s face and how they express themselves, so reconstructing them is deeply personal work. My goal is always to restore both a natural appearance and full, normal function.” — Dr. Erez Dayan

Lip Trauma Repair in Reno/Tahoe

Lip trauma repair is extremely personal, because this feature helps define the look that’s uniquely yours, and injuries serious enough to require reconstruction often bring real emotional and psychological distress. Dr. Dayan is completely sympathetic to these concerns and works tirelessly to restore a normal, functional appearance. Depending on the level of injury, repair can be relatively quick or may require more than one surgery to complete. He draws on several advanced techniques to transplant tissue and fat — routinely combining methods such as liposuction and fat grafting and dermal fat grafting — to rebuild normal, completely functional lips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Reconstruction Surgery

Why might I need lip reconstruction?
The most common reasons are skin cancer removal — often after Mohs surgery — and trauma from accidents that tears, burns, or removes lip tissue. Reconstruction restores both the appearance and the function of the lips.

What happens after Mohs surgery on the lip?
Mohs surgery removes cancer layer by layer, which can leave a defect. Dr. Dayan reconstructs the area, closing and recontouring the lip so it looks and functions normally, often coordinating directly with your Mohs dermatologist.

How is lip trauma repaired?
Depending on the injury, Dr. Dayan uses advanced techniques to transplant tissue and fat — including liposuction with fat grafting and dermal fat grafting — to rebuild the lip. Some cases are completed in one surgery, while more extensive trauma may require more than one.

Will my lips look and function normally afterward?
The goal of reconstruction is to restore both a natural appearance and full function for eating, speaking, and expression. Dr. Dayan tailors each repair to the specific defect to achieve the most natural result possible.

Does lip reconstruction take more than one procedure?
It can. Minor repairs may be completed in a single surgery, while extensive trauma or large defects sometimes require staged procedures. Dr. Dayan will outline the expected plan during your consultation.

Is lip reconstruction covered by insurance?
Reconstruction after cancer or trauma may have insurance coverage, depending on your plan and circumstances. The office can help review your coverage and assist with paperwork.

Why Choose Avance Plastic Surgery Institute for Lip Reconstruction

Award-Winning Surgeon: voted Best Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Nevada
Advanced Reconstructive Skill: tissue and fat transfer techniques to rebuild normal, functional lips
Harvard Chief Resident Training: completed the Harvard Plastic Surgery Program at Massachusetts General Hospital
Coordinated Cancer Care: works alongside Mohs dermatologists to restore the lips after cancer removal
Compassionate, Personalized Care: sympathetic support for the emotional side of lip trauma

Schedule a Lip Reconstruction Consultation in Reno/Tahoe

When skin cancer or trauma affects your lips, expert reconstructive care is close to home. Contact Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV at (775) 800-4444 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Erez Dayan. Virtual consultations are also available for patients traveling from out of town.

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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0

5.0 stars from 587 reviews

Hands down the most qualified, honest and knowledgeable plastic surgeon in Northern Nevada. Dr. Dayan and his staff are truly committed to offering leading edge technology, quality and professionalism to each and every treatment ranging from to simple non invasive injections to complicated procedures. What he and his team have to offer always seems too good to be true, but they always over exceed expectations and are incredibly budget conscientious. The Reno-Tahoe area is incredibly fortunate to welcome such a skilled and qualified aesthetic professional into the area!

Shelby M.

Dr. Dayan is the surgeon clients should interview with and choose for their procedures. I am always very cautious when deciding important life decisions and I can say without a doubt that I would go through my surgeries again with Dr. Dayan. Every appointment has been professional, courteous, informative, and truthful. I never felt rushed. I also appreciate knowing my privacy is maintained. My fear of pain is very respected, and his demeanor eases it quite a bit. I made my decision to trust Dr. Dayan because of his extensive education, vast experience, and my first-hand witness of his character. These factors have allowed me to look forward to all of my appointments.

Aubrey S.

I had three consultations and didn't make any decisions lightly, but Dr. Dayan blew the competition out of the water. From the moment I met him during my consultation, he was honest and open while also personable. He also insisted on putting me in touch with previous patients before I made my decision so that I could have a better understanding of the process and recovery as a whole. I ultimately picked him because I knew he would do a good job but also because I felt at ease with him. The day of surgery, I was very nervous and he was comforting while efficient with his time. He was also completely honest with me during my recovery and called either myself or my husband often to make sure I was doing well, but also to make sure my husband understood the process completely. He also makes himself so available for any little questions or concerns I've had, making me feel secure in knowing he's only a phone call or a text away. Although I am not yet completely healed (only 3 weeks post-op) I already feel so confident in the work that has been done. He has helped me to transform something that had me so insecure for such a long time into a body I feel comfortable in. I cannot wait for the final results! I won't hesitate to return to Dr. Dayan for anything else I need done. Between him and his office staff (Alli) I feel like more of a member of the Avance family rather than a patient!

Jacelyn O.

I highly encourage anyone who is considering plastic/reconstruction surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dayan. I couldn't have asked for a better experience and outcome from my breast augmentation. At my consultations, not only did I get my questions thoroughly answered, but I was treated with such genuine kindness and patience. Dr. Dayan is professional, highly knowledgeable, honest and has a certain way of connecting with others. For these reasons, I trusted him and felt supported throughout my whole breast augmentation experience from pre- to post-surgery care. All around, I felt safe and informed about this big decision/investment which is all I could ever ask for. I recovered so much easier than I expected, and my breasts are looking perfect and natural! Dr. Dayan definitely listened to what I wanted and followed through. Lastly, I want to mention how sweet and supportive his team is over at Avance! I am very appreciative of their service.

Sidney C.

My results after a "noninvasive" procedure are amazing. The cutting-edge techniques and noninvasive technology that Dr. Dayan incorporates into his procedures, as well as being a gifted and talented surgeon and individual, all contribute to his many accomplishments. However, I personally am impressed with his abilities to listen, communicate, and create beautiful results. I highly recommend a consultation with Dr. Dayan before making a final decision on any kind of procedure. Just another satisfied patient!

Mary J.

I had a perfect experience at Avance. Dr. Dayan was quick, professional, and checked in with me regularly to make sure I was comfortable during the short procedure I needed done. His demeanor was calming and I was able to put full trust in his abilities from start to finish. Erez really knows his stuff, and it's amazing he's here in Reno when he could clearly be somewhere much bigger if he wanted. I definitely won't hesitate to book again if needed.

Chris S.

Absolutely an amazing experience! Where to start? When I first thought of getting a mommy makeover my expectations were not that high because I didn’t ever think I could look the way I wanted to. I always just hoped it would be an improvement and I would be happy with that. Then I met Dr. Dayan. From the first consultation he made me realize that he could give me beautiful results that I didn’t know were possible. He was so kind and confident and I knew from that moment that he was going to be my surgeon. I booked my surgery (a breast augmentation with implants and a tummy tuck with lipo) that day and it was the best choice I have ever made. Before my procedure he was very thorough and explained step by step what he was going to do which made me feel so comfortable. I actually wasn’t nervous at all. I was so excited! I am now 1 month post op and my results are above and beyond what I could have ever dreamed my body could look like after a mommy makeover. Dr. Dayan did an exceptional job. I am not completely healed and I already am so pleased. There are no words that can do justice to how amazing it is to put trust in someone with my body and wake up with results that are better than I could have ever imagined. He truly is skilled in his profession and has the eye for what is best for your body to give you the best results. He followed up with me several times post op to see how I was feeling. If I had any concerns or questions he responded to them quickly and personally which made me feel confident that everything was going well! His care is exceptional from beginning to end. He has an amazing staff as well. His Patient coordinator Ali is so sweet and helpful. She is amazing with communication as well as helping you with financial options and scheduling. You won’t be disappointed working with Dr. Dayan and Ali!

Valerie F.

Dr. Dayan and his team are the best of the best! The level of care, professionalism is top of the class. I strongly recommend Dr. Dayan and his entire team. I cannot say enough about his work - he is incredibly talented and I am confident under his care. Of course the results are amazing! I love my LIPS!

Nasya M.