Advice on recovering from a lip lift?

Question

I'm due to have a lip lift at the end of the month. I have a few questions regarding afterwards. What can you eat, can you use a straw and how long before you can eat normally? Also, is it hard to clean your teeth and any tips on not stretching the lip/scar? Then how long before you can kiss and do intimate things like oral? Thank you

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Postoperatively, after a lip lift, you can anticipate bruising and swelling that will be noticeable to you and others for about 1 week. After the sutures are removed or dissolve, depending on the type used, there will be redness along the incision line for 4-6 weeks but this can be covered with makeup. For two weeks, you should avoid significant mouth movements. Sometimes the upper lip lift is overcorrected with the initial procedure and will slowly assume its final position over weeks to months.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Lift Specialist
Manhattan

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Your surgeon should provide you with post-operative instructions as recommendations can vary from surgeon to surgeon.  We recommend eating soft foods for the first 3-5 days and avoid using a straw. Sleep with your head elevated for 3 days to help minimize swelling.  Patients can experience numbness to the upper lip or nose for several weeks as well as residual bruising and swelling.  Avoid wearing makeup on the incision site for 2 weeks and wear a moustache dressing if exposed to external dirt or dust particles.  Keep the incision open to air, using a a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the incision to optimize healing.Best of luck,Dr. Philip SolomonSolomon Facial Plastic, Toronto

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Hello,We do 5 or more lip lifts each week right in the office.  All of your questions are excellent and they are things that you should discuss with your surgeon.  Please make sure they do these procedures enough to get you a good result.  If they are familiar with the procedure, they'll be able to answer these things easily.

Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

The three first weeks following a lip lift, we advise our clients to stick with a soft diet, avoid laughing, and smiling. No use of straws as that movement can put strain on the suture line.  After the procedure for the first week it is preferable to keep the stitches clean and dry, only applying an antibacterial ointment.  We used a suture that will need to be removed 7 days after surgery.  
It is advised to have regular follow ups with your board certified plastic surgeon.
Best of Luck!

Piotr Osuch, MD · Answer

Here's what you can expect post-op:
1. Eating soft food/ drinking with a straw - for 3-4 days post-op.
2. Avoid smiling for a couple of days - not to stretch the skin.
3. Stitches are usually out 7-10 days post-op. This is a fresh wound which should be well treated. Every dr has its own protocol. My patients always get a full list of dos & don'ts after a LL when they leave the clinic.
4. Any activity connected with opening mouth wide  should be avoided for a couple of months.

Speak to your dr to get more details.

best regards, 
Piotr Osuch, MD, PhD

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