Lip Augmentation Post-Operative Instructions
Your lips will be very swollen. You may place a cool gauze over you lips for the first 24 hours to help with comfort and swelling. Alternate 15 minutes off and 15 minutes on for any cooling. Try to keep your head elevated most of the time. Sleep with your head slightly elevated on two or three pillows for one to two weeks. No straining or heavy lifting. Drink plenty of clear fluids.
Swelling and discoloration are expected for one to two weeks. You may also experience numbness along your lips lasting a few days to a couple of weeks.
Do not take your pain medication on an empty stomach. Eat a light snack, such as crackers, about 30 minutes before you take your medication.
Pain medication and general anesthesia can cause constipation. It is helpful to begin a stool softener a few days before surgery. If constipation is a problem after surgery, you may use a glycerin suppository or Fleet enema
You may take a shower and gently wash your face and hair on the first day following surgery, gently blot the dressing dry.
You may take short walks the day after surgery and increase your activity as directed by Dr. Papillion.
The results of the lip augmentation are not immediate as you have a large amount of swelling initially. You will experience various degrees of swelling and discoloration in the first several weeks. Time, patience, and careful attention to instructions are key factors in the healing process.
If at any time you have questions or problems, please call our office.