Lip Lift Surgery Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Day-by-Day

The beauty of plastic surgery is that we can address our insecurities and regain confidence in ways we never thought possible. Whether it’s extensive surgery to tighten up your torso, or a small lip lift to fix your smile, there are numerous options available.

These procedures can certainly transform your body, which can make you feel excited about the things to come. But an important part you shouldn’t forget about is the recovery process, which can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared for it.

So what should you expect from lip lift surgery recovery? We’ll discuss how long the process is, and we’ll also go over important details to help make it go smoother.

How Long Does Lip Lift Recovery Take?

The good news is that, generally speaking, lip lift recovery is quicker and easier than many other facial surgeries. Many patients feel comfortable going out in public after 7-14 days, and you’ll see improvement quickly.

The first week will mainly be focused on managing swelling, protecting the incision, and allowing the sutures to support proper healing. After the second week, the swelling should mostly go away, meaning that you can gradually go back to your normal routines.

After a month, your lip should feel more natural, and the surgical site should heal in 6-8 weeks. But the scar will continue to soften and fade for up to 3 months or even longer, so you won’t see the final results until then.

Day-by-Day Recovery Timeline

Now, you may be curious about the more granular details regarding recovery. Here are the phases you should expect.

Day 1: Immediate Post-Op Care

Right after surgery, you may feel a little drowsy since the anesthesia is wearing off. You’ll experience lip lift swelling, as well as tightness and mild discomfort. It’s normal for your upper lip to feel stiff, and movement in this area will be limited.

On this day, cold compresses and rest are essential. Also, make sure you follow the aftercare instructions given by your surgeon and take pain medications as prescribed and recommended.

Days 2-3

In the next few days, you’ll have peak swelling and bruising, and lip lift pain is normal. Don’t panic if the area feels firm and looks overcorrected, as this is only temporary.

You should keep your head elevated and avoid excessive facial movement. Keep applying cold compresses and taking pain medications as instructed.

To aid healing, eat a soft food diet. You should drink plenty of fluids too, as hydration is vital for healing.

Days 4-7

The swelling should start decreasing on day 4, so you’ll look more presentable, but the area might still feel tight.

In addition, you can slowly go back to normal activities. But still, you should avoid doing strenuous activities and try not to get sun exposure.

Week 2

Most of the bruising should be gone by this week. Your surgeon will remove the sutures, and the scar will begin maturing. The incision may still be pink though.

Months 1-3

After a few months, the scar should continue fading and softening. Lip movements will start feeling natural again, and you’ll see the final shape become fully apparent!

When Is It Safe to Fly Home?

Now that you have a good idea of the recovery timeline, your next question is probably this: When can I fly after a lip lift? Knowing how long to stay in Cancun after a lip lift can help you plan better.

In general, if you’re getting surgery in Cancún, we’d recommend staying for at least 5-7 days after your procedure before flying home. As you can see from the above section, the first week involved the most intensive healing, so it’s best if you don’t travel during this time. You’ll have access to your surgeon if any complications arise, and you’ll have peace of mind that everything’s healing correctly before returning home.

If you don’t wait and fly too early, this can increase:

• Swelling
• Discomfort
• Risk of bleeding

How to Reduce Swelling Quickly

Swelling isn’t pleasant to experience, and it can make you feel self-conscious as well, so you’ll want to do everything you can to reduce it as quickly as possible.

We’ve already mentioned cold compresses. You should also sleep with your head elevated by using 2-3 pillows or a wedge.

Some surgeons may also recommend arnica, which can decrease pain and swelling. They may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications too.

Lastly, you should stay hydrated and avoid salty foods. By doing so, you’ll help minimize fluid retention and facial puffiness.

Returning to Work, Exercise, and Makeup

Most patients can return to desk work or light activities within a week. But if your job is more physical, you should wait two weeks instead. The same applies to exercise; don’t do anything for at least two weeks, and only do strenuous workouts 3-4 weeks after your procedure.

Typically, you can apply makeup after sutures are removed and the incision is fully closed (around days 7-10). For discreet recovery, use strategic concealer and hairstyles that partially shade the upper lip.

Smiling and Normal Facial Movement

Another question you may have is this: When can I smile after a lip lift?

In general, smiling and full lip movement will feel tight and restricted for the first two weeks. But this should gradually subside; just make sure to avoid forced smiling early on to prevent tension on the incision.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Lip lift surgery recovery should go smoothly, but there are certain symptoms to watch out for. For example, signs of infection include:

• Increasing redness
• Warmth
• Worsening pain
• Pus-like discharge
• Fever

Excessive or worsening swelling can indicate bleeding or fluid buildup. If you have persistent severe pain or a wound that begins to open, then call your surgeon right away.

Heal Smoothly for a Beautiful Smile

If you’ve been wanting this procedure, but weren’t sure what to expect for lip lift surgery recovery, then now you’re better informed. That way, you can make a smart decision regarding whether you should proceed with the surgery.

Contact us now to book a virtual consultation. Dr. Valdez is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has an expert team, including a board-certified anesthesiologist and bilingual coordinators.