How long would it take for the excess skin to adjust to the new structure of the nose after rhinoplasty?

Question

Hello. I had an open rhinoplasty 5 months ago to reduce the size of my nose. Because the swelling was going down very slowly, my surgeon injected steroids on the tip of the nose a month ago. Even though I am still quite swollen and in recovery, I notice I have excess skin running down from the bottom to the tip of the new nose. I love how smaller and cute the new nose is but the skin is becoming a worry now as every time I smile it spreads unevenly. Is this normal?

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. This is a common issue when we reduce the size of the nose during rhinoplasty. The skin does contract down and the best option is to talk to your surgeon about options. Your surgeon may discuss the following with you:
Steroid injections5-FU injectionsTaping the noseMassage of the noseUse of isotretinoin or tretinoin
All of these items may help improve the shape of the nose and may help give a better result. Discuss whether any of these options are right for you.
Good luck as you heal!

Michael S. Lofgren, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent surgery.
Healing following a rhinoplasty can certainly be a very lengthy process.  While the results of the underlying structural changes can be seen immediately the more subtle changes involving the skin and soft tissue take many months.  I routinely tell my patients that the final results of the surgery will often take almost a full year to see.  This is the primary reason that we do not do any type of revision surgery for approximately a year unless there are extreme circumstances.  You should certainly continue to see improvement in the appearance of your nose over the next few months.  Make sure you continue to follow up with your surgeon and let them know your concerns.  Best wishes.

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for submitting your question. 
As you know the swelling after an open rhinoplasty, particularly in one that the size was reduced such as yours may persist for upwards of 12 months. The redundant skin should contract on its own, however there are some maneuvers your surgeon may elect to do to expedite the process: taping etc. You should discuss it with your surgeon to finalize the plan. 
Thank you again and I hope this answers your questions.

How long would it take for the excess skin to adjust to the new structure of the nose after rhinoplasty?

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How long would it take for the excess skin to adjust to the new structure of the nose after rhinoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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