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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Will The Swelling Continue After Having Stitches On Broken Lips?

I was punched in the lip by a man and I had to go to the E.R because I recognized some meat hanging outside of my bottom lip on the inside and front. However, the Doctor at the hospital gave me 3 stitches but no antibiotics. They garunteed that the swellen will go down because they had poked it even more to numb it for the stitches. Meanwhile, I followed up with my doctor who then gave me some atibiotics and pain killers but I am still concern about when will the swelling g go down and should I apply a hot cloth to my lip or cold as both doctors have suggested the opposite which is totally confusing!! Please Help me!!!!!!
Thu, 18 Jun 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Can understand your concern..

As per your complain the swelling has occurred due to trauma to the soft tissues causing inflammation and the swelling occurs due to formation of inflammatory exudate as well as rupture of minor blood vessels causing spillage of the blood into the soft tissues causing haematoma formation,bruising and swelling..

Although you have got the stitches placed but you need to take a course of antibiotics to prevent any infections as well as oral steroid therapy to reduce inflammation and swelling..

For pain you can take inflammatory painkillers like Advil/Ibuprofen..

You can apply alternate warm(not hot) and cold compresses alternatively for faster healing..

If there is open wound you should apply antiseptic ointments like soframycin or neosporin over it to prevent bacterial proliferation and infection over it..

Take a soft diet and avoid spicy and hot food to prevent irritation of lips..

It will take some time but gradually the swelling and pain will subside..

Hope this information helps..

If you find the answer helpful please write a positive review and click on find this answer helpful as a token of appreciation..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..

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How Long Will The Swelling Continue After Having Stitches On Broken Lips?

Hi.. Can understand your concern.. As per your complain the swelling has occurred due to trauma to the soft tissues causing inflammation and the swelling occurs due to formation of inflammatory exudate as well as rupture of minor blood vessels causing spillage of the blood into the soft tissues causing haematoma formation,bruising and swelling.. Although you have got the stitches placed but you need to take a course of antibiotics to prevent any infections as well as oral steroid therapy to reduce inflammation and swelling.. For pain you can take inflammatory painkillers like Advil/Ibuprofen.. You can apply alternate warm(not hot) and cold compresses alternatively for faster healing.. If there is open wound you should apply antiseptic ointments like soframycin or neosporin over it to prevent bacterial proliferation and infection over it.. Take a soft diet and avoid spicy and hot food to prevent irritation of lips.. It will take some time but gradually the swelling and pain will subside.. Hope this information helps.. If you find the answer helpful please write a positive review and click on find this answer helpful as a token of appreciation.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..