Is it normal that my top lip covers my teeth after a nose job? 3 weeks post op. (photos)

Question

I got my nose job November 22, been 3 weeks now. My top lip still covers my top teeth and my nose is still swollen. Is this normal? And what can I do to increase or help my nose and top lip heal?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon to evaluate your healing progress. Please keep in mind that you are in the early stages of your healing process and will find full recovery closer to the 12 month post op mark.
Best wishes,

Jeffrey Joseph, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very common to have swelling three weeks post op. Pay close attention to your surgeon’s post op instructions, and keep all follow up appointments.  The swelling will resolve over time.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

You have to give yourself some more healing time.  Your nose and surrounding areas are going to be swollen for a while and you should be consulting the surgeon that performed the procedure but give yourself some time before going back in so some of it can subside. It can take up to a year for final results.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It's still too soon to tell what your final results will be. You need to have patience with your body as it begins to heal. The skin, bone and cartilage are all traumatized during surgery. Inflammation (swelling) is the normal response and will help your nose to heal and look beautiful in the end. If, one year from now, you are unhappy with your nose, then that is the time to think about a revision procedure. Right now, concentrate on other things you like to do and let your nose take its time to heal. I hope this helps.

Bruce K. Smith, MD · Answer

It is normal to have swelling in the upper lip with inability to expose the upper teeth for several weeks following rhinoplasty surgery. There is not much that you can do to speed the resolution of this type of swelling. Just be patient. Your nose will be swollen for many months depending on the type of procedure that you had done. Congratulations on what appears to be a very satisfactory early result.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Omairal,At three weeks there is still swelling present above your lip that will affect your smile.  This would be expected to improve as time goes on.  The one caveat is that if you felt your nose pulled down a lot when you smiled and this was corrected, this can affect how much your lip is able to come up when you smile.  I'd recommend you discuss your concerns with your surgeon, but at this point nothing seems out of the ordinary.I hope this helps and good luck.

Is it normal that my top lip covers my teeth after a nose job? 3 weeks post op. (photos)

Answers (6)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Wide nose with large hanging ala, what are my options?

Easiest way to correct loose cartilage at tip of nose?

How much does a rhinoplasty cost in Florida?

Spider veins and rhinoplasty? (Photo)

I have uneven nostrils 7 weeks post open rhinoplasty. Is this permanent or should I keep waiting? Is revision necessary? (Photo)

My pores on my nose are huge, and I have trouble breathing freely. Will a rhinoplasty help my problem?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS