FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
Lip Lift
This treatment is indicated when the distance between the nose and lip is large enough (in general more than 1.5cm) and when the upper lip lacks baseline rotation.
What is Lip lift?
This treatment is indicated when the distance between the nose and lip is large enough (in general more than 1.5cm) and when the upper lip lack baseline rotation. During this treatment that is done under local anesthesia, the muscle is lifted and suspended, the skin excess is removed, and the scar is hidden as much as possible within the nasal natural crease.
Instructions
- Stop all blood-thinning supplements and medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and Vitamin E two weeks before surgery.
- Arrive with a clean face, completely free of makeup, jewelry, and any facial piercings.
- Wear a loose, button-up or zip-front shirt so you don’t have to pull anything over your head and risk hitting your nose or lip.
- Sleep strictly on your back with your head elevated on 2–3 pillows for at least the first week to help fluid drain away from the face.
- Get up and walk around your home gently every few hours to keep circulation moving, but avoid any heart-rate-elevating exercise.
- · Stick to a soft food diet (soups, yogurt…) and take small bites; avoid spicy or overly salty foods that irritate the incision.
- Do not use straws for at least four weeks.
- Take your full course of antibiotics as directed and use prescribed pain relief when needed
- Use gentle cold compresses or gel packs for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 48 hours to manage the peak of swelling while avoiding tension on the suture line.
- Refrain from wide talking, laughing, or yawning for at least 30 days and even up to 90 days to prevent the incision from stretching.
Recovery
Recovery Timeline
Days 1-3: Peak Swelling & Discomfort
Significant swelling and bruising. Potential asymmetry or a temporarily overfilled lip appearance. Discomfort is generally mild and can be managed with prescribed medication and cool compresses.
Days 4-7: Healing Begins
Swelling and bruising will begin to subside, and your incision lines will appear cleaner and more defined. Any non-dissolvable sutures are typically removed around day 5–7.
Weeks 1-4: Improvement & Gradual Return to Routine
Expect: Marked improvement in swelling and comfort. Lips feel more natural, though some firmness, tightness, or stiffness may persist. Many patients resume light daily activities.
Months 1-6: Settling and Refinement - Scar Maturation
Swelling continues to resolve, scars blend in, and lip movement becomes more normal. By 6 months, you’ll be much closer to the final result.