Rhinoplasty Recovery & Facial Movement

Too much of any good thing can reach a point where it is no longer good, whether it is chocolate cake, or facial animation after rhinoplasty! Normal activity such as eating, speaking, and smiling are entirely within the limits of acceptable activity after nose surgery, but excessive chewing, laughing, or facial grimacing would be extremes to avoid.

Much more important, in my opinion, is that you should sleep with your head elevated above heart level for 2-3 weeks after this surgery to minimize swelling that can become scar tissue. The same goes for activities that might raise your blood pressure or pulse, causing an increase in swelling, bruising, and the formation of even tiny amounts of scar tissue that can affect your results adversely. So, avoid exercise, lifting, or strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks, including pole vaulting, tackle football, or trapeze sex!

Take it easy, and let things heal properly--this is the best way to get the result you and your surgeon are working towards together!

It is not uncommon to have some difficulty moving the central part of your upper lip after rhinoplasty especially if you had significant caudal septal deviation correction as you often have to release the depressor septi muscles and/or reposition the caudal septal cartilage. The sensation and movement will all come back over the next 6-8 weeks.

i'm so glad to hear you want to smile and laugh four days post op. Go ahead, the positive energy will help your healing.  Rhinoplasty is about creating new structure and what has been created for you should be well able to stand up to smiling. If it can't then then the result will not turn out well even if you remain expressionless or neutral for months.