Will my smile and mouth go back to normal after rhinoplasty and chin implant? (Photos)

Question

I had rhinoplasty, a chin implant and lipo 9 weeks ago and I've noticed my smile and mouth change a lot since the surgery. It now feels very forced and unnatural, and my lips cover my teeth much more than they did before. I've lost a lot of mobility in my lips and my smile is more narrow than before. I know this can be normal and my nose bridge and chin still feel stiff when I try to move them by frowning. But I'm 9 weeks post surgery and I feel like I look unnatural every time I talk and smile.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The horizontal line in upper lip after rhinoplasty is common and happens from change of the muscle dynamics. It takes time but will get better. Sometimes you have to use a filler to make it less noticeable. Smile keeps getting better every month for up to a year. RegardsDr J

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

The wrinkle on your upper lip (philtrum) is temporary and due to the associated swelling, so no worries, it will subside.
However I don't like at all your chin, it seems to me a chin implant was not indicated and if any work had to be done in your chin was a two dimensional genioplasty (as per your other posts images). Your chin seems to be too masculine, overcorrected and a bit of a witche's chin.
If you wish better grounded opinion please do post or send privately well lit, focused and standard images: frontal, both lateral and both oblique views.
Feel free to request any additional information from me.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you do not appear to have weakness or paralysis of your marginal mandibular nerves which pull the lower corners of your mouth down. Heaviness of your upper lip, and tightness around your chin should improve with time. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question! It is rather difficult to fully evaluate your situation without an in-person exam.  
That being said, it's much too early for you to observe final results of your rhinoplasty.  It may take 6 or 9 months for swelling to resolve completely. In the meantime, you may experience some muscle tightness that will impact mobility in your lips. As your nose settles, you should be able to regain your ability to smile normally.  
An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your situation and guarantee an individualized medical advice. Best of luck!

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Full recovery from rhinoplasty and chin augmentation surgery often takes a full 3 to 6 months for the final result and the tissues around the surgery sites to fully heal and recover. With more time your chin and ups should have mobility. I would give the chi at least another two months ti see how much improvekenyt can occur.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

It may surprise you to know just how long it can take for this sort of cosmetic recovery to completely finish. It may be as long as six to twelve months before everything is completely settled.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At this point, you are likely still swollen and not surprising your lips may be a bit stiff. this often gets better with time as the swelling subsides.

Michael Carlisle, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, I understand. This is a very common complaint I tell my patients about before their rhinoplasty and especially chin implant. You are still swollen, especially the nose and upper lip. That's likely why the wrinkle and for sure why the narrow smile. The muscles are tight and I'm sure you can feel this tightness when smiling. This is very normal after even rhinoplasty alone. Most smiles feel very forced, tight, and look a little odd in the 3 months after rhinoplasty. The chin implant will also make your lower mouth feel tight. Your chin tissue has to stretch and swelling to go down a bit before you feel things are normal. It can take 6-9 months for things to really loosen up with that chin implant. But, it will be worth it. You have a beautiful smile. It should come back just fine. Give it some time.

Will my smile and mouth go back to normal after rhinoplasty and chin implant? (Photos)

Answers (8)

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