Lip swelling after septoplasty?

Question

I had septoplasy surgery yesterday morning to correct a deviated septum. Today I noticed I could not lift my upper lip to smile but it is not "swollen". I also noticed my two front teeth are very sore and hurt almost as much as my nose. I'm sure this is common but when I research it online I can not find anything related to it. Is this normal since surgery was only 30 hours ago or should I mention it when I attend my post surgery appointment to remove the stints?

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

It is relatively common and not unusual to have both upper lip stiffness/ swelling and upper teeth soreness after septoplasty.  Swelling accompanies most any surgical procedure, and tends to collect in a gravity-dependent manner; because of this, stiffness and swelling in the upper lip are commonly seen after nasal surgery.  Furthermore, the a sensory nerve which sensation to the upper central teeth lives within the bony plate separating the nose from the mouth, and this nerve can be irritated during septoplasty.  While dental numbness may indicate damage to this nerve, soreness points to more likely inflammation.  Also possible is simply tooth irritation from having a breathing tube placed during surgery.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon at your post-operative appointment, and follow his/ her post-operative instructions.  Good luck in your recovery!

Lip swelling after septoplasty?

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Lip swelling after septoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.