Swelling in the tip resolves last

Paul L. Leong, MD answers: Is my nose tip too round following rhinoplasty?

I had Rhinoplasty done four months ago, and I feel that the end or tip of my nose from profile view looks a little round. Also, there are two lines on each side of my nostrils that don't look too great. I'm more concerned about the rounded tip, though. I'm thinking about having another Rhinoplasty done, as I've heard most of the swelling has gone down by now and the final shape will be set. Could someone please give me some advice on how my nose looks and if I should go through another surgery?


Paul L. Leong, MD
8 months ago

There is a modest amount of swelling remaining in the nose and especially the nasal tip at four months after rhinoplasty.  There will be continued subtle changes in your nasal tip for two years. 

It is definately too early to consider any kind of revision surgery, especially (as you've heard in many of the posts) since your nose looks pretty good.  The rule of thumb is to wait a year after a rhinoplasty prior to considering a revision.  The only exception to this is if there is an obvious and fairly major residual cosmetic deformity.  In that case, it can be justified to go back to the operating room sooner. From the view you provided you definately don't have a major deformity and therefore you should wait. 

It's hard for me to predict given the one view we have and the fact that there will be some changes in the next year or so, but I suspect that you will be very happy and that you should probably not have a revision surgery in the future.

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