How Much Will my Profile Change During the Months of Rhinoplasty?

Question

I received rhinoplasty approximately 2 months. My nose had a huge hump and it curved down a lot at the bottom (before). I wanted my nose not completely straight, with slight bump. My profile at first was still almost the same as my previous nose, but it started to soften a bit and the bridge lowered with time. My only concern is that I still think my profile is still too big. I know people say that the tip swelling decreases every month, but I was wondering how much smaller my profile will get?

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question!

It is understandable that you are
concerned. Changes after rhinoplasties vary with every patient and what you are
experiencing is normal especially that swelling takes time to subside as it
masks the results of your surgery.

It is important to keep in mind that it
is early to pass a judgement. Usually, a year is required before formulating
how your nose will be. Even then, your nose will keep shaping itself and to
complement your face for better results in the years to come.

My best recommendations at the moment
is to be patient, allow nature to take its course and edema subsides for better
results. There is no doubt that once the swelling subsides, more definition and
shape will be achieved and you should be happier with the results.

Also, it is important that you keep
communicating with your surgeon and work as a team together to achieve the best
results possible.

Congratulations on your surgery and
please remain positive!

Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

At 2 months the swelling has mostly subsided, although you may see slight changes in the next few months.  Keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon regarding your expectations and the final results.  Best wishes!

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello Samantha,

	Thank you for the question and the photos.  It really is hard to know how much swelling there is and how long it will be before one can make a decision about possible revision.  The answer use to be 1 year and I think in most cases that has been brought back down to 6 months.  I think the real answer is when there are no more changes seen and everything has stabilized.  This is often in the 6 month range.

	All the best,

	Dr. Remus Repta

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Fro the photo you provided, the profile looks pretty good. There's no evidence of a hump in that photo and things should be settled down pretty much along the bridge after 2 months. I'd say, just wait and see how it looks in a couple more months. If the bridge is still a tad too high, it could be as simple as shaving a little cartilage off the bridge.

How Much Will my Profile Change During the Months of Rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)