Botched Rhinoplasty. How can I treat the dent on my bridge and uneven holes?

Question

I am 3 months post primary rhinoplasty from a reputable surgeon in NYC. As the swelling has reduced, there is a dent in the side of my nose that corresponds with a bump on the bridge. My breathing is great, I have zero discomfort. I am so upset, I don't see how the swelling decreasing over the next 12 months is going to rectify the side dent...I have hopes that the bridge dent will reduce. My nose holes are uneven, and my surgeon already injected one with filler to make it smaller. Help!

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Although I do not know what your nose looked like prior to surgery, I would by no means consider this result "botched". Rhinoplasty is the most difficult to predict procedure plastic surgeons perform, and minor irregularities can certainly occur despite our best efforts. Fortunately, the indentation you're seeing should be fairly easy to improve either using filler (temporary), or a small cartilage graft.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Even in the best of hands there can certainly be some post operative irregularities of the nose.  The area of your concern is not an uncommon area for occasional concavity (dents) to occur.  The non surgical rhinoplasty is definitely a remedy but it is temporary and I do not inject permanent filler into the nose.  If that area is still an issue in several months the remedy is not particularly difficult.  A spreader graft to the right or even an onlay graft of cartilage will easily address your concerns permanently.  The rest of your nose looks great so I would stick with your surgeon unless there are other issues.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Sometimes as swelling comes down irregularities that weren't visible become evident, or things that have shifted become apparent.   Decreasing swelling may make these irregularities even more obvious in the next several months.
You should go see a facial plastic surgeon with a lot of experience with revision rhinoplasty for an opinion.  A non surgical rhinoplasty is also an option, but temporary. Please, never get silicone injected!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In our experience, microdroplet Silikon-1000 nasal injections may be an excellent alternative to further nasal surgery for addressing indentations after rhinoplasty. The feasibility of this in your case would depend on your examination. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Peter Callan, MBBS, FRACS, MBA · Answer

Hi there.  These things happen occasionally even in the best hands, and if you have seen a reputable surgeon you should stick with them until the journey is complete.
From what I can see the rest of your nose looks pretty good and you say you can breathe well. Small irregularities do occur from time to time and are not always predicted bythe surgeon.  Occasionally grafts move, bone resorbs, and unexplained things happen.  A good surgeon will stick with you and help correct these things. Occasionaly you may need to enlist another surgeon's help.
I'm sure your surgeon cares a lot about you and your result and will help you. If you consider that not to be the case, then it may be time to move on.
I hope this helps.

Botched Rhinoplasty. How can I treat the dent on my bridge and uneven holes?

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Botched Rhinoplasty. How can I treat the dent on my bridge and uneven holes?

Answers (5)

Answer: Would you consider a permanent non-surgical nose job?

Answer: Would you consider a permanent non-surgical nose job?

Answer: Irregularities after rhinoplasty

Answer: Irregularities after rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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