Indentation in Bottom of Nostril, Left After Rhinoplasty, Why is This? (photo)

Question

I got a rhinoplasty a month ago and there is a huge indention in the nostril base on the left side. It makes my profile from the left look much worse than the right... Even if the doctor 'smooths it out,' how will this raise the indention? He almost gets offended when I ask about it. Has anyone ever seen this? I completely did not expect this. Trent

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS · Answer

The indented area at the the base of the columella where it meets the nasal sil (nostril base) is most likely a 'relative' depression.  In other words, the columellar skin was dissected and remains significantly swollen at 1 month following rhinoplasty.  The nasal sil region was not dissected and did not suffer nearly the same degree of swelling.  Hence the columellar skin stands out further than the nostril base.  In time the contour should significantly improve.  If they are not still to your liking then a minor revision procedure will be necessary.

	Mario Imola, MD, DDS, FRCSC.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Though it is difficult to tell from your photos and without knowing the intraoperative details of your surgeon, it appears that the indentation you are seeing is a result of scarring from an open rhinoplasty.  Your nose and scars will continue to change and improve a significant amount over the next year, thus it is too early for any type of revisionary or corrective procedures.  If, however, after a year you are still unsatisfied, you may consider scar revision, dermal fillers, or even micro fat grafting to fill out the indentation.  In the meantime, relax and try to be patient.  

	Jaime Perez, M.D.

	Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa, Florida

	Rhinoplasty Specialist in Tampa, Florida

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

If you had an open rhinoplasty, it can only be a little separation of the scar on that side leading to a depression in the tissue under the scar.

	I suspect that it will not spontaneously go away, although as your obvious significant swelling reduces it might become less evident with time.

	The main point to appreciate however is that it is easily fixed with a minot revision of that scar point, even under local anaesthesia in the office.

	It is real, and present, but no ones fault.  However carefully your surgeon sutures the incision, from time to time a scar will occur which needs touching up.  The key is that your concerns are validated, and the small problem addressed when the swelling reduces. 

	All rhinoplasty surgeons in practice need very occasionally to touch up a scar.

	Good luck.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty takes 6-12 months to heal and the swelling to go down. If after at least 6 months it is still dented you will need it revised.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The idnentation after rhinioplasty may be realted to the palcement of the incision during open rhinoplasty. The scar does go through changes and it may improve.

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Indentation in Bottom of Nostril, Left After Rhinoplasty, Why is This? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Rhinoplasty with dent.

Answer: Rhinoplasty with dent.

Answer: Indentation after rhinoplasty

Answer: Indentation after rhinoplasty

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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.