Smile after rhinoplasty - will my smile ever go back to its original smile? (photos)

Question

I didn’t know about the nasi depressor muscle prior to surgery but I just ask my doctor if he cut mines during surgery, he indeed said that he did cut the muscle. So now I’m curious will my smile ever go back to its original smile? My lip hangs after my teeth. Can this muscle be fixed?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

The nasi depressor muscle is a muscle located in the upper lip area that pulls the lip downwards when you smile or make certain facial expressions. During some cosmetic procedures, such as a lip lift, the muscle may be cut to achieve the desired aesthetic result. However, cutting this muscle can sometimes result in changes to the way the upper lip moves and functions.

It's important to have a follow-up consultation with your surgeon to discuss your concerns about the appearance and function of your upper lip. They can examine your face and assess the extent of the muscle cut during surgery, as well as provide information on whether or not the muscle can be repaired or corrected.

Depending on the degree of muscle damage, there may be options for improving the appearance and function of your upper lip. For example, you may be a candidate for muscle repositioning or reconstruction, or you may benefit from other complementary treatments such as injectable fillers or Botox to help improve the appearance of your smile.

Overall, the best course of action is to have a consultation with your surgeon or a qualified cosmetic surgeon to discuss your options and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your concerns and goals.

Best of luck !

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Cutting the depressor septi Nasi: during surgery, the depressor septi nasi is sometimes cut in patients whose tips droop significantly and who have a very gummy smile. The effect of cutting this muscle is often transitory. The muscle often heals back together and regain its function. In order to have a more permanent affect some surgeons not only cut the muscle, but remove a segment of the muscle to prevent it from healing back together and resuming its function. so the answer to your question depends on how the muscle was treated. Was it cut? Or was a segment resected? If you are still early postop there is still a possibility of the muscle regaining function, since almost everyone after rhinoplasty experiences some stiffness and immobility of the upper lip that often lasts up to a few months. in most cases if then returns. But, in your case, as I said above, it depends on what was done to the muscle. So, ask you a surgeon how he Cut the muscle. Did he just cut it, or did he remove a segment of it?

Smile after rhinoplasty - will my smile ever go back to its original smile? (photos)

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Smile after rhinoplasty - will my smile ever go back to its original smile? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

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