Nostrils different sizes and shapes after rhinoplasty. Should I consider a revision? (photo)

Question

I had a open rhinoplasty about 1 month ago and now my nostrils are different. The left size looks like the surgeon cut more than the right. There is a big difference from the front view even the profile view. Should I consider a revision? I had told my surgeon several times that the nostrils looks so different, but he said it is still swollen. My nose look deformed in the front profile. Will it heal and become symmetrical nostrils or is it because of the placing of my alars on the sides?

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

You are still very early in the healing process and it is too early to evaluate your final results.  Swelling can dramatically mask the nasal appearance.  It could take a year for the swelling to completely resolve so try to be patient as you allow your body more time to heal.

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

At this early stage of your recovery there is still a significant amount of swelling present. Swelling in the nose goes away intermittently, irregularly and asymmetrically. I encourage you to have patience with your recovery and allow your surgeon to reassure you. Best of luck

Jeffrey Joseph, MD, FACS · Answer

At one month post op, you are still very early in the healing process.  Give it some time, and continue seeing your surgeon and following all instructions.  Good luck!

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

You have to give yourself some more healing time.  Your nose and surrounding areas are going to be swollen for a while and you should be consulting the surgeon that performed the procedure. It can take up to a year for final results.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi,
It is really early process, one month.
As it requires one year time healing process to be completed, sweeling and edema you have, with time it heals and  as you were operated with opened technique, it might take longer to finish recover process.
Regards

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

Hi! Thank you for your question. You're still very early on in the healing process and it can take a year for all of the swelling to subside. Try and be patient as your body continues to heal and be sure to go to your follow up appointments with your surgeon.

Michael Roskies, MD · Answer

It is difficult to make any cosmetic judgments of the nose just 1 month into healing. Yes, I agree the nostrils look asymmetric but two things are at play:
1. Swelling - the right rim looks more swollen
2. Your preoperative anatomy. Asymmetric nostrils before surgery are some of the hardest things to address surgically. 
I would look at your preoperative photos and see if there was any discrepancy. If not, then waiting at least 4 more months will allow the final framework to show and open a more frank discussion with your surgeon. 
Good luck

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Nostrils different sizes and shapes after rhinoplasty. Should I consider a revision? (photo)

Answers (7)

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