Rhinoplasty Recovery & Facial Movement

Question

I am currently four days post-op and I'm experiencing difficulty refraining from laughter and other emotional facial tics. While I'd consider these normal responses to stimuli, I was curious if this could be detrimental to my Rhinoplasty results, or if I'm just stricken with paranoia. I attempt to stifle movement, but I can still feel my nose straining against the splint. Could moderate movement of the nose jeopardize the surgical results?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

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.

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

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.

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

I recommend to my patients to use their index finger and thumb gently pressing on the cheeks when they need to laugh. This will keep the nose stable during facial animation.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

I've performed Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and IMHO the issue of not smiling, laughing and moving the face in a normal manner because it will somehow damage the nose after a Rhinoplasty...is an urban myth. The reality is normal movements will not affect the nose at all after a Rhinoplasty and I merely ask my Rhinoplasty patients to do these in normal moderation. Strenuous activity and direct forceful contact that needs to be avoided for 1 month following a Rhinoplasty, IMHO.

Rhinoplasty Recovery & Facial Movement

Answers (5)