Let's Be Honest Here....Long-Term Results of Rhinoplasty Operations? Should A Rhinoplasty Result Not Be Permanent?

Question

It occurred to me to ask a question concerning the longevity of obtained rhinoplasty results. I see so many contradicting opinions on rhinoplasty longevity issues and the preferable use of cartilage that should not be contradictory issues given collective surgeon experience. Does grafted (ear or rib) cartilage reabsorb over time or not? Rhinoplasty should not have to be redone every 20 years and the patient chastised for seeking out another operation when their nose again becomes deformed.

M. Zakir Sabry, MD · Answer

Great question. Yes, one should expect to have a rhinoplasty surgery only once. Here's the issue though - any rhinoplasty requiring grafts, particularly for tip refining may be subject to change for a variety of factors ie. Quality of soft tissue envelop, cartilage warping, cartilage resorption esp, when rib cartilage used as a cantilever graft, lack of structural support when needed ie. Strut graft etc. As surgeons, most of us, if not all, have a small percentage of revision surgeries and I believe, that should be discussed with patients, dictated by the situation. Thank you.

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

The alterations that are made will be permanent, regardless of the type or amount of cartilage placed.  The issue is continual aging, often in the form of thinning skin.  This makes changes to the bone or cartilage become more visible over time.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We nearly routinely place supporting columellar struts to add structural support to the tip, and this helps maintain tip position following rhinoplasty. The thickness of your skin may also be a factor in your long term result after rhinoplasty. Thin skin tends to be unforgiving and patients with thin skin may be more likely to see irregularities as swelling resolves. Hope this helps you.Dr Joseph

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Once a rhinoplasty has healed and the tissues have finally settled down, the nose shape result should be stable. Autologous cartilage grafts do not resorb in my experience. Rhinoplasty is not an operation,like a facelift, that needs to be redone because the result is 'lost'. Revisions in rhinoplasty are not rare but these are done in the pursuit of achieving a better result or to address somer residual nasal asymmetry.

Mark D. Wigod, MD · Answer

A nose will always be different after a rhinoplasty.  As time goes on, however, the details may change.  Skin may tighten and cartilages may warp, but usually in a small way.  Overall, rhinoplasty is considered a durable operation.

Brian J. Reagan, MD · Answer

You ask an interesting question.  A rhinoplasty dosen't necessarily have a life span. For example, we often tell patients a face lift will last 10 yrs.   After rhinoplasty, the overlying soft tissue can thin with age, and irregularities otherwise hidden can become  apparent.   Thank you for your question.

Jay M. Pensler, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Rhinoplasty result should hold up long term. Cartilage and / or bone is revascularized and does not resorb with time.

Let's Be Honest Here....Long-Term Results of Rhinoplasty Operations? Should A Rhinoplasty Result Not Be Permanent?

Answers (7)

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