Over 1 year post op and my tip and columella are hard to the touch and lack definition - could there still be swelling? (photos)

Question

I got an open rhinoplasty May of 2023. While most swelling has gone down, my tip and columella is still very hard when touched, and appears very bulbous and has no definition. Could there still be swelling in this area? And how long would it take for it all to go down? Or, would this possibly require a revision rhinoplasty?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Most people are nearly free of swelling 12 months after rhinoplasty surgery. If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your knows, sometimes it's best to look at before and after photos with your surgeon. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Most of open rhinoplasties involve placement of cartilage grafts for tip support and shaping. For that reason swelling of the tip and hardness may take longer to subside. In some patients injection of corticosteroid in the area as well as tape application over night may speed up the process of scar maturation. Be patient. Good luck

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment regarding the outcome of any plastic surgery procedure we usually need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
We don’t know what you look like before the procedure but your picture posted show a well-defined tip that looks great.
I’m not sure what you don’t like about the outcome and I don’t see a clear indication for having revision surgery.
At one year your results are final and you no longer have swelling.
 Follow up with your provider and discuss your concerns with him or her.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Over 1 year post op and my tip and columella are hard to the touch and lack definition - could there still be swelling? (photos)

Answers (3)