I had an open rhinoplasty 38 days ago. The area underlying the external incision is tight, making it difficult to pull my upper lip down as when smacking the lips together. Though it causes no pain, it pulls uncomfortably on the incision site and restricts certain lip movement. The tip is also completely immobile vertically regardless of my facial expression or movement of my mouth. Will either of these things change with time? Are there things I can do to improve function and comfort? Thank you
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February 8, 2015
Answer: Tight upper lip early after rhinoplasty is usually a temporary problem due to swelling.
Dear cherryblossom, In these situations my anesthesiologist would need a pre-operative evaluation from another outside physician (internist, cardiologist) who would evaluate you for surgical clearance. Once this has been done there would be a discussion between my anesthesiologist and the...
At this stage in your healing, taping probably won't make much of a difference. Over the next six months, you will see a gradual change in the swelling. It is amazing that it takes that long, but it really does! Good luck with your final result.-Dr. Asaria