LIP REDUCTION

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

* Expect your lips to feel tight, sore and full. This is normal and it usually subsides after 7 days. The lips may look uneven or bruised during this time.

SWELLING AND BRUISING

* Rest quietly.

* Avoid excessive movements of the mouth for example when talking, chewing and laughing.

* A soft diet is advisable for one week - e.g. mashed vegetables, yoghurt, jellies, icecream, scrambled egg, soup, soft fruit, soft pasta/noodles etc.

* Apply ice to your lips, as often as tolerable for the first 3 days minimum, then intermittently for 1 week.

* Swelling may cause your lips to crack so apply Vaseline/Lanolin regularly.

* It is not uncommon for the lips to be uneven or asymmetrical initially due to the swelling. Swelling will subside at different times.

PAIN

* Swelling decreases with the passage of time and pain will also subside. Take prescribed pain killers every 4 hours as necessary.

* Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications or after anaesthetics.

* Do not drink alcohol, drive or operate machinery, while on medications or on the first day of surgery.

WOUND CARE

* Stitches should be cleaned twice daily with normal saline solution (which may be obtained from a chemist) using a cotton bud. Also, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment using a cotton bud. Continue this for 1 week.

* There may be dissolvable stitches inside your mouth. It is therefore important to have mouth washes with antiseptic mouth wash and keep your mouth scrupulously clean. A child’s size toothbrush is good for this.

* Do not smoke as this can lead to poor healing and may require further surgery.

ACTIVITY

* Most people begin normal activities the next day.

* Exercise will increase swelling, especially in the first week, so avoid strenuous exercise.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Normal saline 0.9% - 100 ml.
• Cotton buds - 1 packet.
• Mouthwash - 500 ml ( e.g. Listerine, Mouthfresh).
• Ice or ice sticks (available at the supermarket).

Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036