First Week After Surgery
- Sleep on your back with your upper body elevated approximately 45 degrees.
- Use gentle cool compresses during the first three days as directed.
- Walk carefully and regularly with assistance when necessary.
- Avoid bending, straining, and lifting.
- Stay well hydrated and take precautions against dizziness or falls.
- Showering is generally permitted after 24 hours, using care around the incision.
- Avoid pulling, stretching, or placing tension on the lips or mouth.
Medications
- Take prescribed antibiotics for the full prescribed course.
- Use prescribed pain medicine or acetaminophen as directed.
- Follow the clinic’s maximum daily acetaminophen guidance.
- Use a stool softener while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Take the prescribed steroid dose pack according to its instructions.
Incision Care
- Clean the incision gently according to the clinic’s peroxide-and-water instructions.
- Apply the prescribed ointment several times daily as directed.
- Use hypochlorous acid antiseptic spray according to the postoperative instructions.
- Do not pick, pull, stretch, or place tension on the incision.
- Sutures are generally removed about 5–7 days after surgery.
- Protect the incision from sun exposure.
- Treat the area gently during the first several weeks of healing.
- Begin scar treatment at the instructed postoperative interval.
Activity and Recovery
- Avoid heavy lifting during the initial recovery period.
- Many patients return to work after approximately one week.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks.
- Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication.
Normal Symptoms
- Swelling and bruising
- Mild bleeding
- Tightness, numbness, or mild itching
- Temporary lip or smile asymmetry
- A noticeable incision and significant initial upper-lip swelling
When to Contact Your Doctor Immediately
- Fever above the threshold specified by your surgeon
- Severe or worsening swelling
- Excessive bleeding
- Rash, severe itching, or blisters
- Seek emergency care for shortness of breath or chest pain.