I have a bigger undefined nose after surgery, esp the tip. Why is this so? (photos)

Question

5 months ago i had closed surgery with the "best rhinoplasty doctor" of my country, we both agreed that he would reduce the fracture, straighten my dorsum and make it a little bit thinner, he said he would not touch my tip and I asked him to preserve the shape of my nose. it has now been 5 months and i dont see any definition or the contour y previously had, even worse, me nasal tip now looks bulbous and undefined and my overall nose wider than it was before, WHY?

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  5 months after a rhinoplasty is still very early in the post-operative period and swelling is expected during this time.  It is important to have close follow up visits with your surgeon.  As the swelling resolves the middle of your dorsum will narrow in width.

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  At 5 months post-operatively, you certainly may still have some swelling and edema of the nasal soft tissues, especially in the dorsum.  Also, this swelling is magnified because you also have had trauma to the nose previously.  In some patients, it can take even up to a year for all swelling to subside.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon, as well.I hope that this helps.-David Gilpin

Aric K. Park, MD · Answer

In reviewing your photos, it appears that he took down a small amount of the height of your nose when repairing the fractures. this gives you that slight scoop on your profile and makes your three quarter views have a nice aesthetic curve. I agree that you probably have a small amount of swelling still but I think part of the width issue is that you have a smaller nose now. Imaging that you are flying over the Alps: in looking down at the mountains you see that the sides look steep and the mountain sharp and craggy. Now imagine you are looking a a broad flat hill. It will look wider and more gently sloped. You should talk to your surgeon and determine whether he put in any spreader grafts as these will help your breathing but make your nose wider. If so, you can have them removed or you could add a small graft to your dorsum to make it more narrow on frontal view. Either way you should see your primary surgeon to discuss your concerns as he knows your anatomy from the inside out.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photos.  From what you have described it certainly sounds like swelling is likely the source of some of the increased width you have described as well as some of the change in nasal tip definition.  At 5 months you should be seeing the swelling subside but this may vary from individual to individual so it can certainly still be a factor for you even at months.All the best,Dr Remus Repta

I have a bigger undefined nose after surgery, esp the tip. Why is this so? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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I have a bigger undefined nose after surgery, esp the tip. Why is this so? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

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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.