Pinched nose post-rhinoplasty? Time to consider a revision surgery? (Photo)

Question

I'm 13 months post-op & I'm disappointed with how my nose tip looks. I recently saw my doctor & mentioned that I had a very visible line or bulge at the tip of my nose. He said I should drink more water, hydrate, & when the cartilage gains back its flexibility it'll look better. However, I'm unsure that it will look a whole lot better. It almost looks pinched. My nose also protrudes out quite a bit and it seems too long. Will this change? Should I consider a revision rhinoplasty or wait longer to see a change? The doctor said I have about 10% of the swelling left but he didn’t make it clear if it was in the tip or not. Photos taken within the last 5 days. The other where the scar is more visible and I am looking to the side with the green tank top were taken one and two weeks post op.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

The tip is prominent and wide and projects too far forward away from your face. I think that's what you're noticing. The cartilage will not change with more time, and hydrating will not change what your nose looks like. An operation could be planned to narrow that tip, and make the tip less strong so it doesn't stand out away from the rest of the nose, and then to bring the entire nose back closer to your face.

How *much* to narrow the tip, or deproject the nose (bring it closer to the face), or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

Finally, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. It's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. My web site teaches some good advice on how to determine whether a surgeon is good enough for you.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, I would recommend a revision rhinoplasty with nasal tip deprojection.  This can shorten the elongated appearance of your tip. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Pinched nose post-rhinoplasty? Time to consider a revision surgery? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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.

Pinched nose post-rhinoplasty? Time to consider a revision surgery? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

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.