Why am I having such a hard time trying to smile after rhinoplasty + septoplasty + alarplasty? It has been 2 months post op

Question

It has been 2 months since my surgery and although things are looking ok , so far so good, just dealing with uneven swelling I am now having another difficult problem causing tons of anxiety which hold me from being in public. I CAN NOT SMILE AT ALL OR EVEN SMIRK IF I TRIED ! :( I am almost forcing my self to smirk, NO UPPER TEETH show at all, lots of tightness around face and has not improved. I had a columella lift instead of a tip lift... Will things ever change? Will my smile return? Thanks!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Depending on the extent of the surgery swelling in the soft tissues around the nose can influence facial expression. As swelling subsides this should return completely to normal.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is common to have an abnormal smile after extensive work done on the nose.  This is partly from swelling and partly from the nerves and muscles being affected.  With time it comes back normal although it can take many months.  The best solution is to continue doing exercises of the lip such as forcing A smile30 times a day, puckering the lips 30 times a day.RegardsDr. J

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We place a columellar shoring strut for additional tip support in the majority of our rhinoplasty patients. These struts are septal cartilage grafts that are placed from the tip down to the bone at the top of your upper lip. Most patients have a heavy upper lip with smiling for several weeks, but we have seen slight asymmetry for up to six months postoperative. In all likelihood, your smile will slowly improve and probably return to normal.Hope this helps.Dr Joseph

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Thank you for your question. 
It is difficult to determine without a full assessment; however, this is most likely due to swelling. Note that swelling may
last several months. 
I'd recommend booking a follow-up appointment
with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concerns. 
Take care.

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Facial and nasal swelling 2 months after septorhinoplasty with alar surgery is perfectly normal.  Rhinoplasty, especially tip surgery can cause swelling to the muscles around the nose.  More swelling in the muscles at the base of the nose and upper lip is usually seen.  Altered lip movement with smiling is perfectly normal because of this and should resolve by 6 months postoperatively.Regards,

Why am I having such a hard time trying to smile after rhinoplasty + septoplasty + alarplasty? It has been 2 months post op

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Post surgical swelling

Answer: Post surgical swelling

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Why am I having such a hard time trying to smile after rhinoplasty + septoplasty + alarplasty? It has been 2 months post op

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Post surgical swelling

Answer: Post surgical swelling

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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.