Deviation and uneven nostrils after revision rhinoplasty. Bad rhinoplasty or uneven swelling? (photos)

Question

I had my third rhinoplasty (second revision), twenty days ago in order to correct the deviation and the bulb tip of my nose. So now,as you can see in my photos, 3 weeks later (20 days) i notice that my nose still has deviation and also my nostrils look uneven (my nostrils were fine before the last surgery). I am very worried and anxious about it. Is this just swelling or just another bad rhinoplasty? Will my nose be normal without deviation and uneven nosrils after the healing proccess?

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate the photos that you have sent regarding your revision rhinoplasty and nostril asymmetry.  It appears that you have fairly thick nasal skin and therefore it will take longer for the tip edema to resolve.  What I can see at this time however, is that you have an issue with the lower lateral cartilage on the right.  It appears to be buckling and may be weakened from your two surgical procedures.  The buckling of the lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilage has led to nostril asymmetry, slight notching and some external nasal valve collapse and tip deviation to the right, the side of the weakened cartilage.  It is too early to worry but certainly not too early to keep an eye on this issue.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

20 days is still very soon after surgery, and swelling will influence the appearance of your result. In general, swelling can give the appearance of:1) Asymmetry 2) IrregularitiesI would recommend giving it some time and see how you continue to heal, as the nose changes over time. Your surgeon should be able to answer any questions regarding healing, as he/she knows the details of your procedure. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Jacob D. Steiger, MD · Answer

Swelling after rhinoplasty is expected.  More swelling with revision surgery can also occur,expecially if grafting was required. Unfortunately, both sides of the nose do not always swell the same and can heal at different rates.  Uneven swelling and nostril asymmetry can also be related to the types of grafts that were placed in your nose, if you had any grafting.  3 weeks is way to early to make any estimation.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

At this point of your recovery, it would be too early to determine your final results. It is common to have uneven swelling especially if this is your third rhinoplasty. The more scar tissue  present will increase your healing time and recovery. Swelling will also take longer to subside. I recommend following up with you plastic surgeon so that he may help you during your recovery phase.

Jarrod Little, MD · Answer

At 3 weeks, it is impossible to predict the final result.  Typically it takes 9-12 months to see your final result after an initial rhinoplasty.  It may take longer after revision procedures.  As always, it is important to communicate your concerns with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon.

Deviation and uneven nostrils after revision rhinoplasty. Bad rhinoplasty or uneven swelling? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Uneven swelling

Answer: Uneven swelling

Answer: Swelling after revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after revision rhinoplasty

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.

Deviation and uneven nostrils after revision rhinoplasty. Bad rhinoplasty or uneven swelling? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Uneven swelling

Answer: Uneven swelling

Answer: Swelling after revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after revision rhinoplasty

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.