Lip Biopsy Recovery Guide

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 2 to 3 days, avoiding spicy, salty or acidic foods, then go back to your usual diet.
• A cold pack on the lip eases swelling. Wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas in a thin towel and hold it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then off for at least 20 minutes. Repeat as often as you like while awake for the first 48 hours.
• If it bleeds, press firmly with clean, damp gauze for 10 to 15 minutes without peeking.
• 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.

How should I manage pain?

Most people have mild to moderate pain that over-the-counter medicine controls well. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen together work better than either one alone.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 1,000 mg every 6 hours, no more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours (or 3,000 mg if your package says so, or if you have liver problems or drink alcohol regularly).
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 400 mg every 8 hours with food, or naproxen (Aleve): 1 tablet (220 mg) every 8 to 12 hours with food, no more than 3 tablets in 24 hours. Skip them if you have a stomach ulcer or kidney disease, or if we told you not to take them.
• If we prescribed medicine, take it exactly as directed.
• If you take aspirin or a blood thinner, follow your surgeon’s instructions on when to restart it.

When will I get my results?

We review the biopsy results at your follow-up visit.

When should I call?