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Swollen Lips 5 Weeks After Rhinoplasty, Should I be Worried?

My rhinoplasty op involved breaking and removing anterior nasal spine, de-humping and filing down my nose, as well as breaking/re-setting the bone and removing cartilage from near anterior nasal spine, as well as cartilage from the sides of my nose and tip. My doc did not cut my depressor-septi muscle. I can smile ok ish if a bit stiff. However my upper lip is still swollen 5 weeks post-op. Is this ok or should I be worried?

Doctor Answers 4

Lip swelling post-op

February 26th, 2012
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Removing the nasal spine can cause more lip swelling than is typical - be patient and follow up with your surgeon

Web reference: http://www.seattlerhinoplasty.com/html/index.php

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS


Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 206 reviews

Post op Lip Swelling

February 28th, 2012
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I think this could all still be normal. You describe a significant rhinoplasty with lots of work around the anterior septum and nasal spine. All this could lead to significant lip swelling if there was some bleeding and you apparently have normal lip movement. Give it another few weels and then point it out to your surgeon.

 

Web reference: http://www.aventuraplasticsurgery.com

Richard Galitz, MD, FACS

Swelling after Rhinoplasty

February 22nd, 2012
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As a general rule of thumb, I tell my patients to expect swelling for up to 6-8 weeks following surgery. It is difficult to assess your situation without viewing photos of you before and after your procedure.  I would advise you to consult with your surgeon if you are concerned.  Best of Luck,  Dr. Clevens

 

Web reference: http://www.drclevens.com/face/rhinoplasty.htm

Ross A. Clevens, MD

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 92 reviews

Upper Lip Swelling after Rhinoplasty

February 22nd, 2012
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Before and after photographs would be very helpful to assess the degree of residual swelling.  That being said, based on everything that was done during your rhinoplasty it would not be unusual to have upper lip swelling at five weeks.

Daniel Reichner, MD

Daniel Reichner, MD
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 35 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.