Does the nose grow/change after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I feel like the tip of my nose has grown since my initial rhinoplasty, overall it looks more like it did originally than right after my procedure. The first year or two were lovely but I've seen the tip grow more bulbus in size and drop a little. In order to correct this is a revision necessary? Or can laser resurfacing be used to thin the skin revealing the initial result of the rhinoplasty?

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

Following rhinoplasty surgery, there are many changes that occur in throughout the healing process.  In your case, it may be that some of the rhinoplasty sutures or rhinoplasty grafts have moved slightly over this 2 year period.  Skin tightening procedures will probably not be very helpful to improve the rhinoplasty result.  Following up with your facial plastic surgeon would be recommended to review other options to help you achieve the results your desired with your rhinoplasty.

Greg Chernoff, MD · Answer

Your experience is very common.For 1-2 years after a Rhinoplasty, you can notice ongoing changes to your nose. Natural aging also contribute. Increase in bulbous appearance can be due to tip suture relaxation, or weight change. Laser resurfacing will not give you more tip definition.Share your thoughts with your surgeon. If a revision is recommended, your surgeon is the best judge for you.

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

The nose of a person will change every year of their life - with or without surgery!!!This is especially true in the first twenty years of life, and after the 50s...With age, the nose grows and droops a bit.If a rhinoplasty has been done, these changes may be exacerbated.Dr. G

Patrick Simon, MD · Answer

Yes, the nose does change with time.  The nose does not actually grow but rather elongates in response to laxity of the ligament attachments of the nasal tip to the septum and upper cartilages.With a well-structured rhinoplasty, properly placed cartilage grafts will serve to resist the effects of gravity and time.  Some surgeons perform rhinoplasty without regard for longevity or nasal support.  While they may produce an aesthetically pleasing result, ultimately those surgeries fail to provide the nose with structure; with time the nasal tip loses support and the appearance of the nose will change.If you seek revision make sure you find a surgeon who plans to place cartilage grafts to support your nasal tip.

Does the nose grow/change after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Nasal aging and post surgical nasal change

Answer: Nasal aging and post surgical nasal change

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Does the nose grow/change after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Nasal aging and post surgical nasal change

Answer: Nasal aging and post surgical nasal change

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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.