Why does the bridge of my nose look less defined after rhinoplasty?

Question

I had a hump removed & osteotomies performed during my surgery. My op report also mentions that thinly crushed cartilage was placed over dorsum for smoother contour. My bridge looks less defined. Before, the edges of my bridge were sharp & defined; and now I feel like it’s almost too “smooth” and “round”. I like the look of sharp edges because it made my bridge look thinner. Once I’m fully healed, if I’m still not happy, can a revision make my bridge more “sharp”? How complicated would this be?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Hopefully these minor irregularities will dissipate with time; often it takes 6 months to 12 months after your surgery to see the final results.   If they still persist, you may want to see your surgeon, who did a nice job on your nose from the angle I can see, if there is a refinement that can reasonably be done.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

You have to give yourself some more healing time.  Your nose and surrounding areas are going to be swollen for a while and you should be consulting the surgeon that performed the procedure. However, give yourself some time before going back in so some of it can subside. It can take up to a year for final results.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

After a rhinoplasty there are many changes, the one you refer to, is from removing the dorsal hump. The hump add height to the dorsum of the nose, putting some tension on the skin and giving the sharp edges to the dorsum, once the hump is removed, the dorsum is lower, there is less tension on the skin and the bridge gets wider. To make the the edges more defined again, first you need to wait for the swelling to go away, this may take up to 12 months, and then see if you really want a more sharp edge, or maybe once the swelling is gone, you may be happy with the edges of the nose.

Arshad Muzaffar, MD · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question.  If you are still in the first few months after surgery, you may have swelling that has not completely resolved.  It is difficult to assess much from the photographs.  You cannot judge the final outcome until about a year postop.  That being said, It is still possible to revise the nasal dorsum and improve the definition of the dorsal aesthetic lines.  The exact techniques that may be required will depend on your nasal anatomy and exactly what was done at the first rhinoplasty.  I suggest discussing your concerns with your surgeon.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Cici, Wait for all of the swelling to dissipate and then if you are unhappy with your result you can discuss the options with your surgeon to refine your nasal bridge. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Why does the bridge of my nose look less defined after rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Definition of nasal dorsum

Answer: Definition of nasal dorsum

Answer: Nasal Bridge Does Not Look Defined After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal Bridge Does Not Look Defined After Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Why does the bridge of my nose look less defined after rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Definition of nasal dorsum

Answer: Definition of nasal dorsum

Answer: Nasal Bridge Does Not Look Defined After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal Bridge Does Not Look Defined After Rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

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.