Healing time and surgical downtime are two different things. During the first week, the downtime that patients will experience includes swelling and potentially bruising to the upper lip. Sutures are removed along the nasal base at one week and at that point the incision is already healing quite nicely. At around 10 days patients can start to apply light powder or makeup to the area to conceal the pink appearance of the incision. It may take up to two weeks for most of the swelling to subside, although most are looking and feeling great at one week. Many return back to work and normal daily activities at this point.
It is completely normal for the upper lip to feel stiff and not back to normal yet. This is where the healing aspect comes into play. Over the course of 6-8 weeks, healing within the deeper layers will continue to occur as the scar matures and the tissues soften internally. This is no different than a cut or incision on any other part of the body and the natural tissues response to healing. To aid in the healing process, Dr. Somenek has a specific protocol for his patients to follow including a scar gel and optional LED treatments which optimize the appearance of the scar, making it even more imperceptible to even the keen observer.