There are over 350,000 rhinoplasty procedures performed annually, making it one of the top cosmetic surgeries in the United States. One question people often ask Dr. Shektman when considering rhinoplasty is how their smile changes afterward.
It’s perfectly normal to have concerns when weighing the benefits and risks of any cosmetic surgery, and while a nose job aims to improve the appearance and function of your nose, it can sometimes impact the smile as well.
Here, leading Wellesley rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Arthur Shektman answers common questions patients have about rhinoplasty and smiles. We’ll explain how a nose job works, why it may change your smile, precautions to take, and what to expect for recovery.
What is Rhinoplasty and How Does It Work?
Rhinoplasty, often called a “nose job,” is a plastic surgery procedure to reshape the nose. It aims to improve nasal appearance and breathing function.
During rhinoplasty, the surgeon will make incisions to access the bones and cartilage that support the nose. The nose’s framework is then sculpted into a more aesthetically pleasing shape. Things like a bump can be smoothed, a crooked tip corrected, or the size adjusted for facial harmony.
At the end of the procedure, incisions are closed with stitches. A splint is applied to protect and support the new nasal structure as it heals over the next several weeks.
How Can Rhinoplasty Impact Your Smile?
Though rhinoplasty focuses on the nose, it can sometimes inadvertently affect the smile because the nose is located right above the upper lip. Surgery on nasal cartilage and bones can impact their interaction with muscles involved in smiling and facial expressions. Specifically, the levator labii superioris muscle attaches the upper lip to the nose. If this muscle or connecting tissue is disrupted during a nose job, it can restrict mobility when smiling.
Reduced muscle function means the upper lip may not lift normally, giving the appearance of a stiff, forced, or lopsided smile post-rhinoplasty. Smile symmetry may also suffer if one side of the lip is more impaired.
Is There a Way to Prevent Changes to Your Smile Post-Rhinoplasty?
The good news is that unwanted smile changes are avoidable with proper surgical technique. The key to avoiding changes to your smile is for the rhinoplasty surgeon to preserve ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other structures relating to your smile.
Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Shektman who specializes in both rhinoplasty and smile procedures. Their in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and connections enables meticulous, precise sculpting of the nose without undermining the smile. Advanced 3D computer imaging further aids planning to model the desired nose reshaping while safeguarding your natural expressions.
What Precautions Should Be Taken to Maintain Your Smile After Rhinoplasty?
Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions is vital to protect surgical results, including your smile function. Important precautions include:
- Wearing the nasal splint as directed to allow proper internal healing.
- Avoid smiling widely, excessive laughing, or animated expressions during the initial recovery period.
- Using cold compresses to reduce swelling around the nose and upper lip.
- Keeping incisions clean to prevent infection that could impair healing.
- Skipping strenuous activity that puts pressure on the healing nose.
- Staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet to optimize healing.
- Abstaining from alcohol consumption during recovery.
Gently massaging the upper lip muscles starting at 3 weeks post-op may help maintain mobility. But clear any massage techniques with your surgeon first.
How Common are Smile Changes After Undergoing Rhinoplasty?
Fortunately, impaired smiling after a nose job is relatively uncommon when performed by a specialist like Dr. Shektman. However, in the hands of an inexperienced surgeon, the risk of changing your smile after rhinoplasty may be higher. This demonstrates the importance of choosing your Boston rhinoplasty doctor carefully based on their expertise and past patient testimonials and results.
What Recovery Tips Should You Follow to Protect Your Smile?
Patience is key for protecting both your new nose and your rhinoplasty smile during rhinoplasty recovery. Follow these tips to help protect your smile:
- Take enough time off work to rest and heal properly.
- Sleep with your head elevated to control swelling.
- Follow your doctor’s medication and care instructions diligently.
- Attend all follow-up visits so your progress can be monitored.
- Ask your surgeon when normal expressions like smiling can resume.
- Contact your doctor right away if you experience sudden changes in your smile, numbness, or other concerns.
- Avoid trauma that could displace healing nasal structures.
- Wear sunscreen religiously to protect healing incisions.
The first two weeks are most critical for immobilizing the nose as it mends. After your splint is removed, light smiling can resume as swelling subsides over the following months.
When Can You Expect Your Smile to Return to Normal After Rhinoplasty?
With proper surgical care, most patients see their smile fully return to normal after rhinoplasty is fully healed. Initial swelling slowly resolves over the first few months post-op. As recovery progresses and any muscle restriction or stiffness improves, your natural expressions should regain strength. Smile motion and symmetry typically normalize within 2 to 6 months for most rhinoplasty patients.
Rarely, impaired smiling may persist long-term. Additional procedures like lip lifts can be performed to correct lasting smile issues if needed. Be sure to communicate any ongoing smile concerns with your doctor.
Rhinoplasty Surgery in Boston, MA with Dr. Shektman
If you’re considering rhinoplasty surgery in Boston but don’t want to change or compromise your smile, then you must consult with a leading, experienced plastic surgeon. An expert surgeon such as Dr. Arthur Shektman, who prides himself on patient satisfaction and open communication, can help achieve your aesthetic goals. Discussion with a highly qualified, empathetic surgeon with extensive surgical experience is a crucial step in achieving optimal results. Contact Dr. Arthur Shektman in Boston by calling (781) 239-0608 or fill out this online form to schedule your in-person consultation today.