I Just Got a Lip Lift/Corner Lift (Just Affected Skin, Not Muscle), How Long Until Swelling Goes Down? (Photo)

Question

How long before the swelling goes down? Why do the corners of my mouth appear even more downturned than before the surgery? Will the swelling go down and lift the corners up? I'm at day 5 after surgery.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello sjgirl,Thanks for your question.Actually today is the day with the greatest swelling. Keep your head elevated and continue icing. It will be 6 months until you've finished healing. Salt, alcohol, excess heat, etc. can keep you swollen longer. Because areas with motion stay swollen longer, the lips can be swollen longer than other parts of the face. You are early and actually look very nice so be patient.

Good luck,

Dr. Shah

Good luck,

Dr. Shah

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. Sometimes the upper lip lift is overcorrected with the initial procedure and will slowly assume its final position over weeks to months. 
The corner lift may have been only modestly done, but you will need to let the entire area heal before judging the results.
Gary Linkov, MD

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Thank you for providing photos with your query. It is too soon to see final results because swelling after a lift lip persists for 1-2 weeks and tightness will diminish within a few months. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor about your concern or any additional aftercare instructions. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

James M. Pearson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The Lip Lift procedure is performed to accentuate the size and/or shape of the upper lip by removing skin from the region just underneath the nose. As the distance is decreased between the nose and the lip, the red lip is 'lifted'. In appropriate individuals, shortening this distance may impart or restore a more favorable balance to lips and face.
  
In most cases, there is significant improvement in the swelling by 72 hours following the procedure. Much, but not all, of the remaining swelling is resolved by 1 week. Most women feel comfortable being seen in public after 1 week, and are even more comfortable by 2 weeks.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

You look good for five days after.  Enjoy the ride, swollen lips look nice.  Agree with you that doesn't seem like much of a "corner lift" was done based on this photograph.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Hi @SjGirlSwelling after a lip lift peaks at 72 hours and almost 80 to 90% of the swelling subsides within 15 days. Since you are fairly early in the healing process you should expect to see continued improvement daily.  Keep a low salt and low carbohydrate diet and drink plenty of water. At two weeks you may also want to start a lymphatic massage to reduce swelling. See an expert.

I Just Got a Lip Lift/Corner Lift (Just Affected Skin, Not Muscle), How Long Until Swelling Goes Down? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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