Lip Lift Post Operative Care
Dr Jason Roth (MED0001185485) — Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon, specialist registration in Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery.
A lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip. The incision sits just under the nose, and there are two layers of stitches — the deeper layer dissolves, and the surface stitches are removed at approximately one week.
Your Recovery at a Glance
| Antibiotic ointment | Three times a day to the incision, with a cotton bud |
| Washing | Keep dry for 48 hours, then gently sponge and pad dry |
| Shaving (men) | None for 10 to 14 days |
| Stitches out | Approximately one week — attend your appointment on the correct day |
| Swelling and bruising | Peak at 48 to 72 hours |
| Ice | 15 to 20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between |
| Head position | On your back, 2–3 pillows, for the first 1–2 weeks |
| Eating and drinking | Soft foods for the first few days. No straws for 3 weeks |
| Facial movement | Limit talking, laughing and chewing for 1–2 weeks |
| Strenuous activity | Avoid for 1 week |
| The scar | Silicone gel for 6 weeks once sutures are out. Sunscreen for 3 months |
Part 1 — The First 48 Hours
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
- For 24 hours after your anaesthetic do not drink alcohol, travel on public transport without an accompanying adult, drive, operate complex machinery, sign legal documents, or make important decisions.
- Driving: Do not drive for 24 hours after your anaesthetic. After that, do not drive at all while you are taking Endone (oxycodone) or any other sedating pain medication. If you are planning a long drive in the first few days, discuss it with Dr Roth first.
- Swelling and bruising around the lip and nose are normal and typically peak within the first 48 to 72 hours.
- Use cold compresses or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth. Apply for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated on two to three pillows for the first one to two weeks. This helps reduce swelling.
- Keep the wound dry for the first 48 hours. After that the skin edges are waterproof and you can gently sponge the wound when bathing, then pad it dry.
Part 2 — Caring for Your Wound
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the incision three times a day. Use a cotton bud, and clean away any dried blood or crusting that has developed.
- Re-apply the ointment after washing.
- Avoid touching or picking at the stitches.
- Gentlemen: No shaving for 10 to 14 days after surgery. The incision sits in the moustache area, and shaving over it can pull the wound open.
- Attend your follow-up appointment on the correct day to have the stitches removed — usually approximately one week after surgery.
Part 3 — Eating, Drinking and Mouth Care
- Stick to soft foods for the first few days to minimise strain on the lip and incision.
- Avoid hot, spicy or acidic food and drink, which can irritate the surgical site.
- Do not drink from straws or purse your lips for at least three weeks. The suction and pursing put stress on the healing incision.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Rinse your mouth gently with salt water to keep the area clean.
- Brush your teeth carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding the incision.
Part 4 — Activity and Facial Movement
- Avoid excessive movement of the wound for one week. This includes heavy lifting and strenuous activity such as jogging or swimming. Movement can cause the wound to break open or the scar to widen.
- Avoid excessive talking, laughing, smiling wide, or vigorous chewing for the first one to two weeks. This prevents tension on the stitches.
- Gentle walking is encouraged.
- Do not smoke. Smoking impairs wound healing and affects the final result.
- Limit alcohol.
Part 5 — What to Expect
- Minor bleeding is normal, especially with movement. If bleeding occurs, place gentle pressure over the wound for 15 minutes. In almost all cases this stops it. Occasionally ice is also needed. If it is not settling, please contact the rooms.
- Minor swelling is also to be expected. Swelling with pain, redness, fever or sweats may be a sign of infection — please contact the rooms if this occurs.
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen are fine to take after surgery. Please take them as needed — discomfort after a lip lift is usually minimal.
- Numbness, pins and needles, or a feeling of stiffness in the lip are common early on and settle as the area heals.
Part 6 — Looking After the Scar
- The incision sits in the crease under the nose, where it settles well in most patients.
- Protect the scar from the sun for at least three months. Use sunscreen or wear a hat — UV exposure darkens a new scar.
- Once your sutures are out, use a silicone scar gel for six weeks. Silicone is the one scar product with good evidence behind it.
Contact Dr Roth at once if you have any of the following
- Bleeding that will not settle with 15 minutes of gentle pressure
- Increasing swelling, redness or warmth
- Pus at the incision
- Severe pain not relieved by simple analgesia
- A fever or chills
- Any aspect of your recovery that concerns you
Dr Roth’s rooms: (02) 9982 3439 | [email protected]
Out of business hours, if you need urgent care, please attend your nearest emergency department or see your GP. If your surgery was performed at Wyvern Private Hospital or North Shore Private Hospital you may also contact the ward nursing staff, who are there 24 hours a day. Please note that these hospitals do not have an emergency department, have no medical staff on site overnight, and cannot provide assistance in an emergency once you have left the hospital. You cannot return to the ward you were discharged from and be re-admitted.
Dr Jason Roth | MBBS, FRACS (ORL-HNS) | MED0001185485
Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
View full profile
Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
View full profile
