Devastated after Rhinoplasty cause my nose is wider.Can feel the bones are more widely spaced. Don't think it's swelling.(photo)

Question

Before rhino I was pretty from the front. My narrow bridge made my eyes look big. I wanted a better profile so had closed rhino to remove hump. Told him I want to look the same from the front, but he made my bridge wider & tip projection seems worse. My profile isn't ideal either. It's only been a month, but I have thin skin & took Arnica & Bromelain. I know there's swelling but the bones are spaced more widely, will they really get narrower? I'm in entertainment so don't have a year to wait :(.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If it has only been one month since surgery, you are definitely still swollen.  You need to give it some more time before assessing the final result, up to about one year.  Your photos really look as I would expect just one month after rhinoplasty.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your post-rhinoplasty concerns.  You should discuss your concerns with your rhinoplasty surgeon, the only person who really knows what is going on.  Ask your rhinoplasty surgeon if spreader grafts were placed and whether osteotomies were performed during your surgery.  Good luck and be well. Michael Persky, MDEncino, CA

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is always difficult to assess the final result so early in the healing process, but swelling is present.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Sam P. Most, MD · Answer

I am sorry you are upset with your results.  As others have noted, it is early postoperatively.  While the bones that compose your bony bridge may not actually be widened, you may have what we call a residual 'open roof'.  Even if osteotomies were done to break the bones and move them inward, a residual 'flat top' can occur.  In some cases, it can be corrected.  I would discuss the details of your surgery with your surgeon.  S/he may be able to allay your concerns.  Hopefully, as the swelling goes down, and the apparent widening will disappear.Best,Dr. Most

Edmund Fisher, MD · Answer

At one month after rhinoplasty, the nose is still significantly swollen. I would wait at least 6 months after surgery to consider any additional surgery. If you feel an opening between the nasal bones in the middle, you may have an open roof deformity after hump removal. This requires osteotomies, which means breaking the nasal bones so they can be moved together which would narrow the bridge as you desire.  If you didn't have to wear a splint and had no black eyes after surgery, it's possible the surgeon did not perform this important step. Go over what your surgeon actually did and give them a chance to make you happy if you can agree on a plan. Be patient. If that doesn't work out, make sure you find an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

The best person to consult with is your rhinoplasty surgeon.  If a hump was taken down during your surgery, often times osteotomies are needed to prevent a widened bony appearance in the location of the previous hump.  Please consult with your rhinoplasty surgeon or a board certified specialist who can help you.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Since it has only been one month since your primary procedure,  you are going to have to wait at least a year before undergoing a  revision rhinoplasty. Followup with  your original rhinoplasty surgeon and express your concerns.

Peyman Solieman, MD · Answer

Early in the recovery this may be swelling but it's best to ask your surgeon if he did osteotomies to bring the bones in. If the plan was to bring the bridge down , even slightly, and he/ she did not do osteotomies this may be the reason you look wider. This can be relatively easily remedied by doing osteotomies if they were not done.A lot of surgeons will say they do not "break the bones" but oftentimes this is a necessary part of the surgery. Be patient and rest assured this can be correctedRegards,Peyman SOlieman, MD

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the photos but a full examination with your operative note is needed to determine what is going onDr Corbin

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Typically after a hump is reduced then osteotomies (breaking the nasal bones) needs to be performed to move the bones together to narrow the nasal bridge. I would speak with your surgeon and see what was done during the procedure and discuss your immediate concerns. If you do need osteotomies and they were not performed then this may be done without waiting the typical one year time frame for revision surgery. Again,  speak with your surgeon and thoroughly discuss your concerns and hopefully this will provide you with the answers you need during your recovery. If you are not happy with the conversation you may always get a copy of your operative report and seek a second opinion. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Devastated after Rhinoplasty cause my nose is wider.Can feel the bones are more widely spaced. Don't think it's swelling.(photo)

Answers (11)