Why does my nose tip is uneven 1.5 years post-op, left side looks bumpy (Photos)

Question

1,5 years ago I had a nose surgery. Till this day the left side’s nose tip is bigger (right side in the photos), it looks like a bump. Could you tell me if that’s how it supposed to look like or is it still healing and should look like this? Or was it the surgeon’s mistake that my nose looks like this right now (my nose tip looked normally before rhinoplasty).

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

That bump on your left looks exactly like the contours of your left tip cartilage. The right tip cartilage is a bit wide as well, but it's less noticeable because the left side is more prominent. It can be modified with a revision. If you're considering a revision, you should look at *everything* you might want to change in the revision. For example, might you want the right side narrowed a bit as well, is the nose still too long for you, or is the bridge in the right place according to your tastes?
How *much* to narrow, 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.)

Finally, 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 it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

And for those who have had previous surgery, it also discusses how to tell whether your first surgeon should be performing your revision.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you are a candidate for revision. The cartilage of the sidewall of your nose is more curved on the left than on the right, causing the "bump." With revision, that piece can be made straighter so that the nose looks more even. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty specialist for consultation.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. As far as I can see from your photos there has been an unexpected issue due to your surgery about your nose tip. After a healthy rhinoplasty surgery your nose tip should not be seen like this. It would ve better to ask your surgeon about it because s/he know better than anyone. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best Regards!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

You do have nose tip asymmetry. Only on the basis of in person evaluation an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon could decide what is the underlying reason for that and how to correct it. Consultation with your surgeon or second opinion consult are your options. Good luck.

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

It seems to me that either the left tip cartilage is bigger than the one on the right or the tip is being deflected to that side from a deviation at the end of the septum. In either case, it is something that will probably not improve with time and should have been corrected or prevented during your surgery!

Why does my nose tip is uneven 1.5 years post-op, left side looks bumpy (Photos)

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Answer: Nose tip asymmetry after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose tip asymmetry after rhinoplasty

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Why does my nose tip is uneven 1.5 years post-op, left side looks bumpy (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Nose tip asymmetry after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose tip asymmetry after rhinoplasty

Answer: Asymmetric tip

Answer: Asymmetric tip

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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.