Does the Nose Tip Go Down Years After Surgery?

Question

I'm getting my nose done. Everyone says I should have it a little more curved than I want because the tips goes down. My doctor said the swelling makes it higher and the patient gets used to it being higher so they think the tip lowers, but others say it does go down even years after the surgery. Which is true? Should I get it more curved?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

All tips drop in the first 12 months after surgery. All noses drop after 30-50 years of aging. Do not have the doctor elevate the tip for aging decades later! A good rhinoplasty surgeon won't do this anyway.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

Most of the healing after rhinoplasty occurs during the first year. There are subtle changes that occur over the next few years. However, the nose also ages. Like all parts of the body, as we age, the nose will droop. Ligaments stretch and skin sags.
In rhinoplasty we perform surgical maneuvers in anticipation of what the nose should look like approximately one year from surgery. So, I suggest you find a rhinoplasty expert and let them plan surgery as they see fit for your nose.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

With the passage of enough time, yes, your nasal tip will droop from loss of support. However, in my opinion, this is not a reason to have it overcorrected in the short term.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Full healing on a rhinoplasty takes approximately one year after the initial surgery.  Extremely subtle changes can occur even after the first year.  Initially, the tip will drop after the rhinoplasty procedure, but that really depends on many different factors including the type of operation performed where the cartilaginous struts and grafts are placed in the tip.  Most of the tip drop occurs in the first six months after the procedure.  It is important to have your rhinoplasty performed by someone who has performed thousands of nasal surgeries and is very well versed in all of the techniques regarding rhinoplasty.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The tip should stay relatively the same after the rhinoplasty has settled down. I would not want the surgeon to over correct it with the thought that is will come down some more. You may wait a lifetime for that!

Does the Nose Tip Go Down Years After Surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Nose tip will drop during first 6 months after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose tip will drop during first 6 months after rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty tip

Answer: Rhinoplasty tip

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Does the Nose Tip Go Down Years After Surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Nose tip will drop during first 6 months after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose tip will drop during first 6 months after rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty tip

Answer: Rhinoplasty tip

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.