1 year post septorhinoplasty - What can be causing my nose to look wider? (photo)

Question

I had open septorhinoplasty almost a year ago, and my nose is a lot wider than it was pre procedure. At first I thought this could be swelling but the surgeon doesn’t now seem to think so. It doesn’t look good, my nose has no shape or definition. Does anyone know why this could be? I had an osteotomy. My surgeon said he’s not sure why it’s wider, and states he didn’t do anything to make it wider. It looks very uneven from the front. There is like a bubble round the area just above the tip

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

You only posted that one image, from that one angle, so it's hard to see what might be causing the excess wideness. What might be causing it depends also on the pre-op photos, because certain kinds of changes can be more likely to cause that problem than other changes. Just from this one photo, though, what I notice is that the tip seems to hang down. Was the tip lifted enough for you during the operation?
If you do have a revision, the revision should at least try to address everything that still bugs you about the nose, so a good look at all the different views would be important.
How *much* to elevate the tip, or narrow the nose, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

I'd love for you to see some excellent morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. It might make you feel better about the possibilities and help you plan your ideal goal.
Remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. For most noses, it's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And for those who have had previous surgery, it also discusses how to tell whether your first surgeon should be performing your revision. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question!As far as I can understand from your question.the photo you have sent is not clear, it is not possible to make an evaluation.If you can provide photos with better lighting, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best regards!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your bridge looks pretty narrow. The swelling above the tip can be reduced with steroid injections to the area. This is a common practice among surgeons. It’s worth asking your surgeon about it

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it is difficult to assess your nose with the photos provided.  The quality is not clear, and an oblique view does not allow us to see how wide the nose is.  Also, without knowing the exact operative details and performing an exam, it would be difficult to know exactly what the cause is.  In general, the width and definition of the nose is affected by the underlying cartilage and bone and overlying skin and soft tissue envelope.  As an example, with thicker skin, it is harder to create definition and refine the width.  The skin and soft tissue can only be thinned so much and will mask any changes in the underlying structure of the nose.  Irregularities can arise from breaking the nasal bones, migration of cartilage grafts (if used), lack of support, scar tissue and swelling.  I would recommend consultation with a surgeon with experience in rhinoplasty for further assessment.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
A single obliquely oriented photograph does not offer much information. The middle 1/3 of your nose appears disproportionately wide, suggesting residual excess upper lateral cartilage, but still could represent residual swelling as it takes 12-18 months for healing to be complete and for swelling to totally subside.
You may be a candidate for surgical revision. 15% of cosmetic surgeries benefit from secondary revision.
Revisit your plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.
Best wishes...

1 year post septorhinoplasty - What can be causing my nose to look wider? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Lack of definition after rhinoplasty

Answer: Lack of definition after rhinoplasty

Answer: Dissatisfaction with rhinoplasty result one year after procedure

Answer: Dissatisfaction with rhinoplasty result one year after procedure

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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1 year post septorhinoplasty - What can be causing my nose to look wider? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Lack of definition after rhinoplasty

Answer: Lack of definition after rhinoplasty

Answer: Dissatisfaction with rhinoplasty result one year after procedure

Answer: Dissatisfaction with rhinoplasty result one year after procedure

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.