Unhappy With Smile 1 Month After Rhinoplasty- Will It Improve? Doctor Answers, Tips
Rhinoplasty: Q&A
Ask a Question

Unhappy With Smile 1 Month After Rhinoplasty- Will It Improve?

Hello, I am 3 and a half weeks post rhinoplasty, and I still have a terrible smile (no upper teeth showing, middle of the top lip unable to lift). i wonder how long i should wait before i am worried? i read some other answers from doctors which suggested it should be largely better after 3 weeks, but this is not the case for me. i am embarrassed and feel unattractive - given that a smile is one of the most important features of your face!

5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Berlin4293 in berlin
+1

Unhappy with smaile 3 weeks after Rhinoplasty, now what?

If your Rhinoplasty surgeon did dissection in the anterior septal spine area, which is midline just above the upper lip...the muscle that lifts the upper lip could be effected. Typically this is done during an extensive Septoplasty or to fill in a retracted columella with crushed cartilage or a man made graft. Ask if this was done. If so, the upper lip most often returns to normal function within several months. Hope this helps.
+1

It is quite normal early after rhinoplasty

It is still quite normal you have trouble smiling, because it has been only one month after the surgery. It takes time for the numbness to go away. Patients report often less sensation/movement in the lip area. The numbness also is typical for the tip of the nose. Your smile is not the same because the nerves are not fully awake yet after surgery. It can take up to 6 months, but you will see improvement. Be patient and follow up with your surgeon.
+1

Prolonged upper lip swelling after rhinoplasty

Dear Berlin, 1 month post rhinoplasty is evidently too soon for you to see improvement in your upper lip. Sometimes it takes a bit longer for some people to resolve this problem. Several things may be affecting your prolonged swelling, ie; certain pain relievers called NSAIDs, time under anesthesia, etc. So, please be patient as you are still very early in the healing process. I hope this info helps, Dr. H

You might also like...

Real Stories

May 20th Surgery Date. - Missoula, MT

Monday morning at 7:30AM I am finally going to have done what I have wanted for decades. I...

Before + After Photos

View 3469 Rhinoplasty photos
+1

Unhappy With Smile 1 Month After Rhinoplasty- Will It Improve?

Please allow more healing time up to three months. Sometimes the swelling does not permit the upper lip to elevate while smiling. I doubt this is permanent but I can not in person examine you.
+1

Smile changing after rhinoplasty

The smile is temporarily altered after a rhinoplasty. This is rarely permanent. It may be more dramatic of a change if you had nostril incisions for alar reduction. Typically all is well by the latest, 3 months or so. Revision surgery for the nose and or/lips can help in future if you still dont like your smile. If your surgeon made drastic changes to your muscles then this may be more of a long term issue.
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok