Recovery guide
Lip Biopsy Recovery Guide
Quick answer: After a lip (minor salivary gland) biopsy, expect a swollen, sore lower lip for a few days. Eat soft foods for the first few days, and you can go back to work or school right away. The stitches dissolve on their own. We review your results at your follow-up visit.
What should I expect?
This small biopsy of the inner lower lip is often done to check for Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Temporary swelling of the lower lip.
- Pain at the incision for a few days, usually controlled with over-the-counter pain medicine.
- Numbness or a changed feeling in part of the lower lip. This usually improves with time, but occasionally it lasts a long time or is permanent.
- Dissolving stitches. It is fine if they come out early; the spot may just take a few days longer to heal.
How do I take care of myself?
- Eat soft foods for the first few days, then go back to your usual diet.
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine as needed, as directed on the bottle.
- You may go back to work or school and your normal activities right away.
- Try not to play with the stitches with your tongue. This can make them come out early.
When will I get my results?
We review the biopsy results at your follow-up visit.
When should I call?
Call us for
- A fever over 101°F that does not go away
- Bleeding from the biopsy site that does not stop
- Lip pain or swelling that gets worse
- A small soft lump or blister at the biopsy site
Austin 512-339-4040 · Lakeway 512-682-4798 · Marble Falls 830-992-2830
Questions patients ask
Yes. You can return to work or school and your normal activities right away.
That is fine. The stitches dissolve on their own, and if they come out early the spot may just take a few days longer to heal.
Numbness or a changed feeling in part of the lower lip can happen after a lip biopsy. It usually improves with time, but occasionally it lasts a long time or is permanent.
We review the results at your follow-up visit.
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. If your surgeon gave you different instructions, follow theirs.
Full guide: capitalent.com/lip-biopsy-recovery.html