Small depression in nose after Primary Rhinoplasty - What are my options? (photos)

Question

I had a primary septoplasty / rhinoplasty about 2.5 months ago. Once the swelling went down, I noticed there was a small dent / depression on the right side of my nose. It shadows in pictures, which has made me avoid them at the moment. I've been instructed to massage the area above every day, and we're watching it carefully. I'm worried this depression / shadow will not go away. What is happening here? What are my options? Looking for some additional opinions. I love my results other than this!

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

At 2.5 months after your surgery, it is difficult to say whether this area will persist or not.  Swelling is never uniform and swelling could be responsible for the concern that you see.  I would wait the full year, longer if this is a revision rhinoplasty, to see if this issue remains.  In the meantime, if this really bothers you, temporary fillers such as Juvederm could be used to minimize things.Aloha,Shim Ching, MD

Michael Dobryansky, MD, FACS · Answer

At only two and a half months post op it is still early and there is definitely still swelling present in your nose. Even if this issue persists, it will likely be able to corrected with a low volume injection of a dermal filler. Just follow the instructions of your surgeon for the time being...

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It is very normal to be swollen in the postoperative period.  The dorsal aspect of the bridge of the nose will usually decrease earlier than the nasal tip swelling.  Nasal tip swelling can sometimes take 6-12 months to fully resolve.  I advise patients that the final result of rhinoplasty takes 12 months.  I recommend that you return to see your surgeon, as he/she will have a good idea of what to expect in regards to your specific progress, since they can evaluate you in relation to your preoperative appearance.Best wishes and good luck.Richard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained Plastic Surgeon

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

A nonsurgical rhinoplasty using injectable fillers can do wonders for small issues like yours. Whereas these fillers are temporary and only last six to twelve months in areas where there is a fold made by movement like around the lips, in our experience in stationary areas like the nose, they can last much longer, two years or more.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At 2.5 months your nose is still swollen and will take a while for it to stabilize. You need to give it a good year or more for the swelling to subside.

Small depression in nose after Primary Rhinoplasty - What are my options? (photos)

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Small depression in nose after Primary Rhinoplasty - What are my options? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty at 2.5 months

Answer: Rhinoplasty at 2.5 months

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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.