Feeling devastated and a loss of identity 10 days post-op Is it swelling that is exaggerating my nose currently? (Photos)

Question

I’m 23. I wanted a nose job to thin out my nose mostly from the profile, my bump was minimal and I just wanted that down a little. I told him I wanted my tip the same and he agreed it was already in good position but he has to raise it initially because it’ll drop. I took my cast off 3 days ago and haven’t eaten and have been crying since. My nose looks scooped, piggish, unnatural. I miss my old nose considerably and regret this 100%. I fear I will never forgive myself. I look like a cartoon

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

A nose does indeed drop quite visibly in the weeks after surgery. At least from that one post-op photo you posted, your nose just definitely isn't going to end up too short. I see bunches of noses early after surgery that I'm very worried about, and your nose absolutely is not in that category!Do whatever you can to distract yourself and believe what I'm saying, and what I think all the other doctors who post on your question will say!

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear pjannahx94, You are early in the recovery phase and your splint was recently removed so you will see many adjustments with your nose over the coming next three months. I would suggest keeping close contact with your surgeon as he/she knows best what your proposed results were, what techniques were used during your procedure and where you are in the recovery phase. All of this knowledge will enable your surgeon to walk you through the recovery. See an example of a patient immediately post operative and then one year later in the video below to give you an idea of changes that occur. See other before and afters in the link as below as well. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Feeling devastated and a loss of identity 10 days post-op Is it swelling that is exaggerating my nose currently? (Photos)

Answers (2)