How long after an alar cinch sutures can I expect to show my upper teeth again? Does my swelling looks normal? (photo)

Question

its been nearly 6 weeks since my alar base reduction and the doctor also did an alar cinch sutures on it to narrow down my nostril flare. The problem is im still experiencing a lot of tightness when i yawn and my upper teeth are not showing fully when i smile and barely showing when relaxed especially in the morning after a night's sleep. I feel like my upper lip are protruding out a lot more than it used to. When can i expect all the tightness and swollen of the lip/gum to go away fully?

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

The symptoms and tightness you are experiencing are pretty normal 6 weeks out from surgery. It generally takes 12 months for the tightness to go away completely. If you are in a lot of discomfort, check back in with your surgeon to ensure that everything is healing properly and you are not experiencing a complication.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear
asianguy529:

Because typically dissolvable sutures are
used for alar cinch sutures, it can take anywhere from three to six months for
it to start dissolving, depending on the suture.

It is very normal to still be swollen six
weeks following a rhinoplasty with this type of suture and it will get better.

Expect it to take, again, anywhere from three
to six months for the swelling to fully go away and in that time your upper
teeth will start showing more and more, little by little.

If you have any questions, please contact
your surgeon and let him know your concerns so he can reassure you.

Best
regards,

Nima
Shemirani, M.D.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

The sutures used on an alar cinch span the philtrum of the upper lip and can cause swelling in this area for some time.  I would give it another month at least.  If possible if you could provide photos it would help assess the issue better.

Neal Handel, MD · Answer

When it comes to nasal surgery, six weeks is not a
very long time. I am certain there is still considerable swelling in the area!
This is causing the tightness and limitation of movement that you describe. I have
no doubt that over time things will improve, gradually. It may take many months
(even up to a year) for all the swelling to subside. Good luck.

How long after an alar cinch sutures can I expect to show my upper teeth again? Does my swelling looks normal? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: It takes a long time for swelling to subside after rhinoplatsy

Answer: It takes a long time for swelling to subside after rhinoplatsy

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How long after an alar cinch sutures can I expect to show my upper teeth again? Does my swelling looks normal? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: It takes a long time for swelling to subside after rhinoplatsy

Answer: It takes a long time for swelling to subside after rhinoplatsy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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