Jacqueline Wegge, MD

A cleft palate repair should not affect your ability to move your lip.  Occasionally the retractor that is used during the surgery (called a Dingman) can put pressure on the upper lip, or stretch the lip, especially if your surgery was long. It's possible this could cause a "neuropraxia" or temporary injury/irritation to the nerves of the lip.  This is not a typical symptom, however. Make sure that you speak to your surgeon about this and have it evaluated.

You are definitely a good candidate for a lip revision! There are many techniques that can be performed to improve the scarring and symmetry of your lip, as well as coverage of your upper teeth. This can include releasing scar tissue, borrowing tissue from inside the mouth, fat grafting and flaps which bring tissue in from the surrounding area and/or repositioning your natural lip tissue.  It appears as though you may have already had an abbe flap previously.  The best course of action would be to make an appointment with a plastic surgeon trained in craniofacial surgery.  After a good physical exam they would be able to explain all of your options and come up with a surgical plan.

Swelling is extremely common after rhinoplasty, and lasts for a significant amount of time.  After the first few months, the majority of the swelling should resolve, but some residual swelling often remains for up to a year or longer.  This can also fluctuate as well, based on your activity level etc., and if you no longer have any compression on the nose.  Sometimes swelling can also be more pronounced after a revision rhinoplasty as well due to previous scarring and increased inflammation.  Make sure you are regularly communicating and following up with your surgeon and you should do well!

In order to determine what options you have, you really need an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon that can examine the structure of your nose and breathing.  It is important to know if you have had prior surgery or trauma to your nose, if you have trouble breathing, and what your goals are for how you would like the nose to look.  In general, however, most noses can be improved significantly with a rhinoplasty, as long as there are realistic goals set.  

Thank you for your question.  A nose is a very integral part of a person's face and identity and no two noses are the same, nor should they be!  The most important thing is how YOU feel about your nose, and what would make you happy.  It is also important to know if you have any problems breathing, as surgery on the nose can both be cosmetic and functional.  If you are having some concerns, make an appointment for a consultation with a plastic surgeon.  They will be able to examine you, listen to all of your questions and then have a conversation with you about options that should be able to fulfill your goals and make you feel better and more confident.  More information is always a good thing!