My top lip hardly moves when I speak , when I laugh it will cove my top teeth, and when I smile it will only show a bit of my top teeth and look very very odd. Even when I am just sitting with a straight face my top lip looks like I'm pulling it down, I am very upset and I hope this isn't permanent , is this normal? Will my top lip raise to it's usual self? Will my normal smile return , how can I fix this :( help!! I am two weeks post op!
October 4, 2021
Answer: Numbness and odd smile after rhinoplasty In general, almost all noses are numb right after a rhinoplasty. In most cases its the tip that is numb, but this numbness can extend down to the upper lip, and in rare cases some of the teeth. There are nerves that are cut and stretched during a rhinoplasty, and it takes a long time for those nerves to start working again. This is true of an open as well as closed rhinoplasty, although it tends to be more extensive in open rhinoplasty. This could also be more extensive if a septoplasty is performed at the same time. A revision rhinoplasty is a much harder surgery with a lot of internal scarring to cut through. This can also be a reason for prolonged numbness. This, along with the swelling, gives you a stiff, plastic type feel, and can give you an odd smile. However, the nerves will start working and again, and your nose stiffness will go away with time. As the nerves grow back, you may feel some tingling, itchiness and on occasion pain. This takes in most cases months, but can take years in rare cases. Extremely rarely, the numbness is permanent, although I have never seen such as case.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD
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October 4, 2021
Answer: Numbness and odd smile after rhinoplasty In general, almost all noses are numb right after a rhinoplasty. In most cases its the tip that is numb, but this numbness can extend down to the upper lip, and in rare cases some of the teeth. There are nerves that are cut and stretched during a rhinoplasty, and it takes a long time for those nerves to start working again. This is true of an open as well as closed rhinoplasty, although it tends to be more extensive in open rhinoplasty. This could also be more extensive if a septoplasty is performed at the same time. A revision rhinoplasty is a much harder surgery with a lot of internal scarring to cut through. This can also be a reason for prolonged numbness. This, along with the swelling, gives you a stiff, plastic type feel, and can give you an odd smile. However, the nerves will start working and again, and your nose stiffness will go away with time. As the nerves grow back, you may feel some tingling, itchiness and on occasion pain. This takes in most cases months, but can take years in rare cases. Extremely rarely, the numbness is permanent, although I have never seen such as case.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD
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October 26, 2021
Answer: Upper Lip after rhinoplasty. I agree. This is not uncommon, and can even be associated with numbness in some people. I would not be concerned at this stage. Wait a few more weeks and things should return to normal. Let your surgeon know.
Helpful 7 people found this helpful
October 26, 2021
Answer: Upper Lip after rhinoplasty. I agree. This is not uncommon, and can even be associated with numbness in some people. I would not be concerned at this stage. Wait a few more weeks and things should return to normal. Let your surgeon know.
Helpful 7 people found this helpful
