How Long Before Smile Returns to Normal After Rhinoplasty?

Hi Perky,
If you are happy with the results of your rhinoplasty, your smile should return very soon. Your "normal" smile may take a bit longer.
Often times during septo-rhinoplasty the muscle fibers between the base of the nose and the upper lip are separated to allow the tip of the nose to heal without being pulled downward.
This results in an upper lip that does not elevate properly, covering your gums and upper teeth when you smile. These muscle fibers usually grow back together within a few weeks, and your smile should return to normal at that time.
Be well and I hope that your smile returns to normal very soon.
Dr. P

Great question. This happens to most rhinoplasty patients because of swelling, healing, pain, etc. all caused by the rhinoplasty operation. This will all normalize in time, but may take 2-3 months for some patients. It always goes away and is not something to worry about.
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

Loss of animation of the upper lip following rhinoplasty surgery is usually always secondary to swelling.  In some cases, detachment of the tip muscles from the distal nasal septum may also contribute to this problem.
            In the majority of cases, function returns within a week following surgery.  In cases where the muscle attachments are divided, it may take as long as four to six weeks.

            It’s important to be patient and maintain good communication with your surgeon.  Your surgeon should be able to reassure you and ultimately make this a good experience.