Can I Get my Old Nose Back?

Question

I had rhinoplasty to fix a deviated septum, but the doctor also raised my tip. This was never discussed and now I don't look like my self anymore. I am now very upset and depressed. Is it possible to undo the tip raising and bring it back to its original position?

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have had an unfortunate result from yor rhinoplasty. Some alterations to the tip of the nose that are performed during rhinoplasty are absolutely reversible. These include removing tip shaping sutures and removing any cartilage grafts that were placed. Some tip changes such as cartilage removal however are not fixable as once the cartilage is gone, it is gone. Good luck with the revision surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The tip can be lowered or derotated if it is pointing too high up. In some people, the tip is too projected. It is important to distinguish the two from a patient's perspective. Both can be corrected.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Photos or an exam would really be necessary to provide you with specific advice. In the hands of an experienced revision rhinoplasty specialist, improvements can likely be made, as it is possible to lower the tip during surgery. I would recommend waiting at least one year before considering any revision procedures. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

The short answer to your question is yes you can derotate or retrodisplace your tip to eliminate the upward raised tip. The surgery to change this could be relatively simple or may require additional surgical techniques. I would address your concerns with your physician as sometimes the tip will get back towards its more natural position over time as well.

Robert Mounsey, MD · Answer

It may be possible to try to return your tip to its pre surgery position, but this cannot be guaranteed. The nose will heal and affect the final result. If the nose is in a position that is in need of correction, a revision may be indicated.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is a difficult question to answer without seeing your pre-op photos and seeing you now.  Some corrections could be made eventually once the swelling has gone down.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Having a clear plan before rhinoplasty is very important to avoid unpleasant surprises. You can get much of your 'old' nose back, though you will have to wait until the tissues soften, about a year for most. Both you and your surgeon should complete a careful review of photos and the goals, so you both are going the same direction.

Michel Siegel, MD · Answer

There are multiple reasons why the tip may be over-rotated. Photos would be helpful to further asses. If the over-rotation is from post surgical swelling then I would wait, if its related to a surgical maneuver I would proceed around 6 months.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

You need to give your nose a year after the surgery to fully heal before contemplating any revisional surgery. Your nose will naturally drop and soften. You will probably never quite get your original nose back.

Jon F. Harrell, DO, FACS · Answer

It can be extremely frustrating to be in your position. The situation of an 'over-raised' tip may be due to one or more of several reasons and that would dictate just what is done to 'correct' what you are seeing. One of the cardinal principles in revision Rhinoplasty is to allow most swelling and scarring to resolve before re-operation, if at all possible. The waiting can be difficult for the patient but this is a very important concept in ultimately obtaining the best result. You would need to be evaluated by your surgeon and given your options. Whether you are going or not going back to your original surgeon, see several Rhinoplasty surgeons to be confident that the second surgery will put your issues to rest. Best of Luck Dr Harrell

Can I Get my Old Nose Back?

Answers (13)

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