Rhinoplasty Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,003 Reviews
Rhinoplastybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Rhinoplasty Cost: $5,975

Learn about Rhinoplasty

5,053 people and 803 doctors are talking about Rhinoplasty

Get Free Email Updates

Could my Nostril Be Collapsing 5 Years Post-Op? What Are Symptoms to Look For?

asked 10 months ago by Kmac7 in Billings, MT
Latest answer by Scott Trimas, MD
Question viewed 303 times
Tags: 5 years post-op, collapse, options

I had rhinoplasty 5 years ago. 1 nostril is starting to look smaller. You are able to see the scar from the incision and it is red, dry and irritated. I have been getting bloody noses on that side lately. Is it common for there to be complications 5 years later?

6 answers to Could my Nostril Be Collapsing 5 Years Post-Op? What Are Symptoms to Look For?

+1

Rhinoplasty with alar collapse.

You have alar collapse with an over projected tip, etc. You need to see an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon.
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+1

Nostril collapse after rhinoplasty

From the picture you have submitted, it appears you may have nostril collapse on that side. Unfortunately, the results of rhinoplasty may not become apparent for many years or you may have some intrinsic weakness in the cartilage. If you were happy with your rhinoplasty surgeon, I would first go back and see him/her. If not, I would see an expert in revision rhinoplasty to have the problem corrected.
Scott Trimas, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Could my nostril be collapsing 5 years after Rhinoplasty?

This would only be happening, IMHO, if you had a sudden dissolution of the tip cartilage in that area at this late date after your Rhinoplasty. Two scenarios for this happening come to mind. During your Rhinoplasty you had onlay cartilage grafts that have now dissolved creating a loss of tip support on that side leading to a collapsed nostril. These could be caryilage, Goretex or something else. Relating to your other symptoms, there's a retained permanent... more
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Collapsed alar rim

Your photos do suggest a collapse of the alar rim. This can happen when the lower lateral cartilage is weak. A graft may help improve the contour and provide better support.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alar collapse after rhinoplasty

It does look like that alar margin is collapse. It isn't uncommon for unwanted side effects to take a few years to turn up (if they are going to turn up at all). The scar contracture process can cause such issues, especially if the nasal structural support isn't enough to counter act these forces. The alar margin can be rebuilt to provide an improved contour and function in the area. The bloody noses may be related to turbulent airflow in the area, or it may be unrelated. You... more
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Collapsed nostril

From your pictures, you are correct. Your right nostril has collapsed. It is clear as the lateral portion of the nostril has caved in. This is ususally a result of excess cartilage having been removed, or the cartilage being in the wrong position. Repair can be accomplished by supporting the collapsed portion by adding cartilage.
Michel Siegel, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

houstonfaces.com

Ask a question