7 months post rhinoplasty. Nostrils look more flared. What can be causing this? (photos)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty (first time - thick skin) 7 months ago to correct a bump I had in my nose and to make the tip more defined. However, now at 7 months post-op, although the side profile looks good, once I turn my head to the 3/4 profile it starts to look odd. It looks like they are more flared and look too big, not sure if this a result of having the tip more defined.Do I have alar retraction, hanging alar rim, retracted columella, or something else? Why does it look odd?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question and photos. When recovering from rhinoplasty, it's important to remember that the nose can continue to shift in shape and alignment throughout the following year. If you’re still unsatisfied with your results after this period, I recommend that you schedule an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, with expertise in rhinoplasty techniques. They will be able to assess your concern and surgical history to determine the best approach to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thanks for your questions. At 7 months and with thick skin, there's still time for improvement. If the nostrils are too arched after your surgery, you may need a technique to lower them to decrease the columellar show. This can be done a couple different ways one of which is composite grafting from the ear. The shape of the nostril on the sides is harder to change. Sometimes, a base reduction can be performed but it depends on the width and flare at baseline. I often have patients tape and perform compressions to evoke changes in the nasal skin during healing. At the 12 month mark, it's often a suitable time to consider a revision. Hope this helps!

7 months post rhinoplasty. Nostrils look more flared. What can be causing this? (photos)

Answers (2)

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