9 months post op & nose tip still looks droopy & swollen - is it normal at this stage?

Question

Hi! I had a open septorhinoplasty to fix breathing issues and to fix a pretty severely crooked nose that I broke a few times years ago playing sports. I am breathing better out of both nostrils and it looks straighter. But the tip still looks swollen and droopy 9 months after surgery. I notice the droopiness more so in photos when I’m smiling. But still notice it when not smiling. The tip feels squishy. Also the swelling is over the scar so it makes the scar more noticeable and uneven. Thx!

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Powerful815259. I  suggest waiting a full year--swelling can take some time to resolve. If you are still unhappy after the one year mark, I would suggest seeing an expert rhinoplasty specialist.

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In general, swelling, especially in the tip of the nose, can take a year or more to resolve. Regarding tip position, the tip will always fall a little after surgery, so I typically over correct to account for this. When smiling, the depressor nasi septi muscle contracts, which pulls the tip downward. This is something that could be ameliorated with a neuromodulator such as botox, or even a small surgery to resect the muscle. Hope that helps, and all the best to you.
-Dr. P

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Good morning! Thanks for your questions. At 9 months, there is still time to heal especially if the initial trauma required significant changes during rhinoplasty for improvement. For swelling, steroid injections, compressions, and taping work well. If the tip droops more than before, there may be concern for a lack of support at the tip. In order to stay in position, the tip requires suturing and often strong grafts to prevent gravity from winning. I would revisit with your surgeon to see what may be happening. Hope that helps!

Yadro Ducic, MD · Answer

Hi Powerful815259, 
Thank you for your question! I recommend waiting one full year. The last part of swelling to go down is the tip and columella. At the year mark if you are still unhappy with the look of it, I suggest seeing your surgeon and getting their thoughts on a possible revision.
- Yadro Ducic, MD

9 months post op & nose tip still looks droopy & swollen - is it normal at this stage?

Answers (4)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

10 months post Rhinoplasty - Can someone tell me what is wrong here and what can be done to fix it? (photos)

Can I get Rhinoplasty post covid? Will it impact my healing process?

Is it normal the Dr. didn't show me my nose after cast removal?

Self-conscious about wide nose - What can be done to improve this? (photos)

Nostrils are still uneven 6 months after my closed rhinoplasty. Should I see another doctor? Do I need another surgery? (Photos)

Rhinoplasty recovery - bromelain/arnica & red light therapy?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS