Can someone please explain why the top of my nose bridge (radix?) appears wider after rhinoplasty?

Question

I have read my operative report many times and can't figure out why my radix—I think that's the term—appears wider. I know it may seem minor, but to me it is making all the difference between liking my result and hating it. I strongly dislike how this makes my entire nose appear wider and makes my eyes look wider. I'm already 3 mo post op and my PS told me the swelling at the top my bridge is already gone. So why does it look wider? Can it be made narrow again in a revision once I'm done healing?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

In most rhinoplasties, the surgeon partially fractures the nasal bone and then pushes the two cantilevered bony fragments together.  A nasal splint is normally placed on the nose to keep the two greenstick fractures together until new bone is created by osteoblasts.If this sounds like orthopedics rather than plastic surgery, it is and the man credited for creating the modern rhinoplasty (Dr. Jacque Joseph of Berlin) was, in fact, a member of the Department of Orthopedics since there was no plastic surgery department in those days.This nasal bone healing will lead to a radix larger than the width of the pre-surgery structure, and occurs because of a swelling called a callus.  This callus is a factory which is remodeling the old bones and creating and shaping new bones.  The entire process can take months or even over a year depending upon many external factors.All the above medical mumbo jumbo means, give the body time and the orthopedic healing process will progress at its own rate.  Since it appears you got a great rhinoplasty, I doubt seriously that the healing callus will stay as wide as it is and, more than likely, you should get the radix width you are looking for.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

After rhinoplasty if you see a wide bridge closer to the radix it can be from lack of a proper medial osteotomy that allows the infracture of the nasal bones. However, in your case it is not bad and I would advise against any surgery. RegardsDr J

Piya Rungruxsiri, MD · Answer

It's depending on what kind of Rhinoplasty as you have been done, if the operation is Augmented Rhinoplasty your radix should be wider and it is normal. But if the operation is Reduction Rhinoplasty, your radix should narrower.

Best Regards
Dr.Piya

Can someone please explain why the top of my nose bridge (radix?) appears wider after rhinoplasty?

Answers (3)

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.

Can someone please explain why the top of my nose bridge (radix?) appears wider after rhinoplasty?

Answers (3)

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.