Numbness of Top Lip/Nose Shaving?

Question

Hi doctors, 11 days ago I had a rhinoplasty and chin implant procedure performed. The surgeon shaved the sides of my nose to make it thinner with the shaving done through the mouth. Now my top lip is numb and it looks really weird to smile or even open my mouth. do you know how long this feeling usually lasts? and is it common to to shave down the sides of the nose through the mouth?

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

Because you are so early on in the healing process after both procedures, I'd give it at least 3-4 weeks until you should absolutely seek attention from your surgeon. Seeing symtoms like this are fairly common with the approach that you described.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Lip numbness after rhinoplasty is not common when performed through the nose.  However, an intraoral approach could produce this, and most of these instances resolve over several months.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

In general, almost all noses are numb right after a rhinoplasty. In most cases its the tip that is numb, but this numbness can extend down to the upper lip, and in rare cases some of the teeth. There are nerves that are cut and stretched during a rhinoplasty, and it takes a long time for those nerves to start working again. This is true of an open as well as closed rhinoplasty, although it tends to be more extensive in open rhinoplasty. This could also be more extensive if a septoplasty is performed at the same time. This, along with the swelling, gives you a stiff, plastic type feel, and can give you an odd smile.  However, the nerves will start working and again, and your nose stiffness will go away with time. As the nerves grow back, you may feel some tingling, itchiness and on occasion pain.  This takes in most cases months, but can take years in rare cases. Extremely rarely, the numbness is permanent, although I have never seen such as case.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty in general from swelling and soft tissue undermining can cause numbness. This usually gets better with time. Some doctors use  intra-oral incisions for parts of the procedure.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Rhinoplasty surgery can independently affect the sensation of the tip of the nose and upper lip due to the dissection.  This take months to resolve, but it invariably does.   An intraoral approach to the muscles or bones of the nose and face can also cause numbness, swelling and alteration of the upper lip movement.  This also typically gets better within months of surgery.   I would recommend discussing your concerns with your surgeon further and giving yourself time to heal.  Best wishes!

Numbness of Top Lip/Nose Shaving?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal numbness

Answer: Nasal numbness

Answer: Numbness and Altered Smile Normal After Some Forms of Rhinoplasty

Answer: Numbness and Altered Smile Normal After Some Forms of Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Numbness of Top Lip/Nose Shaving?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal numbness

Answer: Nasal numbness

Answer: Numbness and Altered Smile Normal After Some Forms of Rhinoplasty

Answer: Numbness and Altered Smile Normal After Some Forms of Rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

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.