How long will a revision rhinoplasty take to heal if its only the tip?

Question

I had rhinoplasty 15 months ago. The swelling subsided much slower than most and I think there is still swelling in the tip, but I am resigned to the fact that the result is not what I wanted. The tip is elevated a little using a graft which I don't like and is a bit too rounded. I would love a revision just to correct this- the very tip- but I'm worried about recovery as I know how slow it was for me. If its just the very tip and minor adjustments, how long should a revision take to heal?

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately any surgical manipulation of the tip will result in long term swelling that will take a year or more to fully resolve. It is true that simpler procedures require less surgical dissection, less injury and less swelling. Postoperative locally injected steroids can help a lot.  The recovery should also be much easier without bruising. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon who can give more specific instructions.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Tip rhinoplasty is less involving then full rhinoplasty. In many cases it can be done in local anesthesia. Usually tapes are placed (instead of splint) to control swelling for 5-7 days. However, swelling of the tip will last for a long time (up to 1 year) although it should be discrete for the most part. Good luck.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to say how long swelling of the tip would last following revision rhinoplasty surgery.  Prior experience in delayed healing and prolonged swelling from your first rhinoplasty should give you some indication of what you can expect going forward with any revision.  You may look perfectly fine after a couple of weeks but "swelling" can take many months to subside completely even if it is not noticeable.  I would suggest a low concentration of Kenalog injected into the nasal tip after your first post operative visit to help move things along.

Ritchie Younger, MD · Answer

Assuming you have had open rhinoplasty performed by a board certified Facial Plastic  Surgeon,  with vast experience in rhinoplasty surgery - I would not hit the panic button yet.  Some patients with very thick skin may take three years or beyond to develop any degree of nasal tip refinement following an open approach rhinoplasty.  Talk to your surgeon to get an expert opinion on your post-op progress before jumping into another surgical procedure !!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Any alterations to the tip of the nose will take an additional year for the swelling to subside, just like the primary rhinoplasty.  Revision rhinoplasty more difficult than a primary due to the fact that there is been venous alterations to the normal anatomy with cartilage removal, cartilage grafting, and scar tissue formation.

How long will a revision rhinoplasty take to heal if its only the tip?

Answers (5)

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