It's been 1 month after my open nose surgery and the tip of my nose is still upturned. Will the tip drop? (photo)

Question

I had an open rhinoplasty and septoplasty done exactly one month ago. I was told I also needed a columella strut to give me a more feminine touch. I just wanted the hump removed and made it clear that I feared getting the dreaded pig nose, but went along with the strut. When my cast was removed I saw my tip was so upturned that I looked like a pig! I've read that it might do that so I wasn't too alarmed, but I am worried that it is too upturned and wont fall to a more natural look. Please help.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Yes, the nasal tip drops after rhinoplasty. I think your tip will go down with some more time. However, your nose may have been overly shortened. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Upturned tip with short nose etc. This may get better but you should follow up with your surgeon. If still not better by 3 months you should get a second opinion by a very experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon who can show you many results of his revisions of the piggy nose.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Based on your single photo, it appears your nose has been shortened too much, something that it didn't need in the first place. If your surgeon isn't an ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeon (or AAFPRS equivalent) who specializes in revision rhinoplasty, you may want to get a second opinion from a few who are. Best of luck.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

You have to give yourself some more healing time.  Your nose and surrounding areas are going to be swollen for a while and you should be consulting the surgeon that performed the procedure but give yourself some time before going back in so some of it can subside. It can take up to a year for final results.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

At only 1 month postop from rhinoplasty, you are still very early in your recovery.  Normally the tip does drop some as the swelling decreases.  However, you started with a slightly elevated tip to begin with, which makes you at greater risk of getting an over-rotated (up-turned) tip with cartilage trimming near the tip.  Your nose may have been shortened too much based on the healing that has already taken place, but you will not know for sure until you allow enough time to pass.  After about 3 - 6 month postop, you will have a better idea of how your nose will look long-term.  It can take a full year to see the final result after rhinoplasty, as the tip is the final location for swelling to resolve.  In the meantime, I would recommend following up with your rhinoplasty surgeon to express your concerns.  If you are dissatisfied at 1 year postop, I would recommend consulting with a surgeon well-versed in revision rhinoplasty to allow for a thorough physical examination and to make more specific recommendations.  Best of luck in your recovery!
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for your question! Rhinoplasty surgery requires a healing period that goes beyond "the naked eye". Most visible swelling and bruising will resolve within about 4 weeks, but the nose continues to heal and change for 16 months post surgery. My best advice would be to hang in there, and/or meet with your physician if additional reassurance is needed, or you have any specific questions that need answering. I am always available by phone for my patients, and I am hopeful that your surgeon also has an "open door policy" when it comes to follow up. If you are seeking an additional opinion, I would recommend visiting with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. I hope this is helpful to you!Be well,Dr. Todd Hobgood, MD

It's been 1 month after my open nose surgery and the tip of my nose is still upturned. Will the tip drop? (photo)

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