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Crease when I Smile from Stiff Columella

asked 1 year ago by Allison in NJ in NJ
Latest answer by Richard W. Fleming, MD
Question viewed 458 times
Tags: smile, female, columella, crease, stiffness

Hi, I had a closed rhinoplasty 12 days ago, and I know it's early and still swollen and needs time. I'm just worried and I want to make sure that what I'm seeing is normal at about 2 weeks post op. My columella is very stiff and it seems too long. It "hangs" about 3mm past the tip of my nose into my upper lip, creating a very unnatural crease when I attempt to smile. Is this just due to swelling, and something that will become more natural and normal over time? I look so weird. Thanks.

8 answers to Crease when I Smile from Stiff Columella

+1

Stiff Columella and Upper Lip Crease 12 Days after Rhinoplasty

It is not normal, but post-op swelling can cause temporary stiffness of the columella and the crease in the upper lip. This should improve during the next 3-4 weeks.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+3

Lip crease after rhinoplasty

The crease you mention is likely from swelling in the area. Ask your surgeon about it. Depending on what was done a time frame for seeing change to the area can be given. Stiffness is common to the columella, especially if a cartilage strut was placed.
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

Wait for Rhinoplasty Swelling to go down

Honestly, with over 20 years experience performing Rhinoplasty...this is most likely due to post op swelling from your Rhinoplasty as you are fresh post op at only 12 days.  Try to relax and let yourself heal...and by all means ask the surgeon at your next post op visit to alleviate your fears.
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

You look good!

Everything feels firm and hard this early after rhinoplasty. Don't judge yourself this soon. Talk to your surgeon about how he or she sees the healing process going depending on the maneuvers performed.
Michael L. Schwartz, MD

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.palmbeachface.com

+2

Rhinoplasty

At 12 days it is way too early to see how your lip and nose react to normal movements. Right now it is swollen and stiff and needs time to settle down.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Creases aren't cool

Luckily, you can count on swelling playing at least some part in the crease you are seeing.  Give it some time, at least a month, and more likely several months.  Ask your surgeon about it as well.  If he (or she) did extensive work in that area, especially in an attempt to reconstruct or lengthen that area, then it may be permanent, but I wouldn't stress about it yet.
Colin Pero, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drpero.com

+2

Lip creasing with smile after rhinoplasty

Though we cannot confirm, it appears that your closed rhinoplasty may have included a graft to the area of the nasal spine at the base of the nose. The graft will open the angle between the lip and the nose, though can restrict the upward motion of the lip when smiling, thus the fold in the lip midway. At twelve days it could be swelling alone, and either way it pays to wait until the tissue softens more. Ask your surgeon if a graft is in place, it is reversible if necessary, and often by... more
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Swelling after rhinoplasty

Dear Allison, More than likely, it is just swelling after your rhinoplasty.  It is still very early in your post-operative course and things should soften a little and make it easier to move your upper lip as the swelling drains.  Due to the effects of gravity, it may take a little longer for the columella swelling to come down.  Just be patient and if it is still there after a few months, then bring it up to your plastic surgeon. You'll see that as the swelling... more
Nima Shemirani, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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