The shape of my nose changed after septoplasty and turbinate reduction for breathing problems, can it fixed? (Photos)

Question

I asked my ENT surgeon many times if this procedure to help my breathing would affect the shape/look of my nose and he said no. However, now my nose is shorter and the tip turns up significantly giving me a "pig nose" and my nostrils looks way bigger than before. Also one side of the bridge is less defined now than the other. Do I need rhinoplasty to fix this? What can I do? Surgery was yesterday so swelling could be a factor but the fact that it's shorter makes me think he changed the shape.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Thanks for your question. Since surgery was yesterday, swelling is the reason you're seeing what you see. Once the swelling is gone in the next 3-6 months, you can evaluate the position and see if anything has actually changed. If it has, you can consult with a rhinoplasty specialist for possible revision.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Since you are only one day out from surgery, you have lots of swelling.  Give it time to decrease and maintain close follow-up with your surgeon.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Picture one day after always will have swelling.  This is not to be considered a final results.  Final results should be checked AFTER swelling is gone.

Benjamin Chu, MD, FACS · Answer

Sometimes I think doctors don't advise their patients enough.  When there is swelling and obviously one day or even one week after surgery there will be swelling.  You should not judge how your nose looks at this early stage.  We are not fixing inanimate objects but dealing with living tissues which can swell and distort the shape when its swollen.  Best to just be patient and wait for the swelling to come down before deciding what your nose looks like.

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with the other surgeons.  You are very early in your recovery and have swelling on board.  Be patient and have close follow up with your surgeon.  Take care.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi magichen,
Based from your photos, it looks like the swelling of the premaxilla (base of the columella) and tip, gives the impression of the upturining of the nose. You have a relatively retracted premaxilla before surgery, then it swelled up significantly after the procedure. Please be more patient, and see your surgeon for any concern.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Some swelling is expected after septoplasty/turbinate resection and you're extremely early in your healing period. At least one of your photos was taken at a slightly different angle as well further complicating assessment.  Allow for complete resolution of swelling over the next several weeks and I'd expect that you realize nothing external has been changed.  Thanks for your question and photos.Jon A Perlman MD FACS 
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, ASAPS, ASPS
  
Extreme Makeover Surgeon, ABC TV 
  
Best of Los Angeles Award 2015, 2016 
  
Beverly Hills, Ca

Devinder S. Mangat, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It is normal in the immediate post operative period to have significant swelling which can make the nose look turned up.  It will take up to 6 weeks for the swelling to subside and chances are your nose will look like it did before surgery.  It is important for you to follow up with your Surgeon.

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. About 5% of patients can have a cosmetic change after septoplasty because the forward cartilage portion of the septum that was straightened supports the flexible nasal tip. Swelling, packing, or splints could account for some of your changes so see what happens once it is removed and the swelling subsides over the next couple months. Share your concerns with your surgeon. Best wishes

The shape of my nose changed after septoplasty and turbinate reduction for breathing problems, can it fixed? (Photos)

Answers (9)

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