After a lip lift, plan on a short recovery period. The lips will be swollen for 1-2 weeks. Most patients can return to work in about a week, but the lips will be swollen, and the incisions will be dark and noticeable for several weeks.
Lip augmentation with SMAS requires a longer recovery than a lip lift. If this procedure is paired with a facelift, most patients will not require any additional downtime. Plan on missing about two weeks from work and avoiding strenuous activities for 6-8 weeks after surgery.