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wasperformed FacialSurgery.com
Steven M. Denenberg, M.D.
Dr. Denenberg's articles on Medium.com.

Essays >> Rhinoplasty II >> page 8
Pay attention to your upper lip


Your upper lip will be a little swollen after surgery. The place where the nose joins the lip is an important part of rhinoplasty surgery, so take care to protect your upper lip after the operation.
For the first week after surgery:
  • Do not engage in long conversations or excessive talking.

  • Avoid overly humorous friends and recordings.

  • Be careful brushing your upper teeth.  Sneak the toothbrush over the teeth without curling your upper lip upwards.

  • Think about how hard you manipulate your upper lip when you put lipstick on with a stick. It is better to use a brush or your finger for the first week.

  • Do not chew gum or eat foods that are difficult to chew. Do not drink thick liquids through a straw.

  • If you continue to have nasal drainage, wear the 2" x 2" mustache dressing rather than continually dabbing yourself with a Kleenex.


Limit your activities


Avoid all exercise for the first two weeks after surgery, and avoid strenuous exercise or weightlifting for four weeks. Too much exercise too early can raise your blood pressure and cause a nose bleed.

Joggers may walk briskly after two weeks and jog after three weeks.  Tennis players may hit ground strokes after two weeks and play after three weeks. Remember your sun block.

Work back into your regular exercise routine slowly. Check to see that your ski or swim goggles or your racquetball eye protectors don't press into your new nose.





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All surgery depicted in this essay, except where noted, was performed by Dr. Denenberg