Was my nose over-rotated? (Photo)

Question

I had my rhinoplasty over 6 months ago. I was hoping the tip would relax with time but it seems to be turning even more upwards. I didn't want my nose rotated at all, I liked the angle it was at. Now my nostrils are very open and much higher and I feel like I look like a snake. Is this correctable? My nostrils are the main focus of my face now, I wanted to do the opposite.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Digital photos rarely tell the whole story, but based on your photos, there is a barely perceptible change in your nose-lip angle. If your surgery resulted in excessive nostril show, it is not well demonstrated in your photos. Thank you. Dr Joseph

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Looking at the photos, I'd say you have very little added rotation from your surgery when compared to preop. Of course, a few degrees of rotation might be enough to make you self-conscious about it. Have others commented on it? I find patients severely scrutinize their noses after rhinoplasty compared to the more general concerns that they had preop, because they are looking at their noses much more frequently to judge the result as they heal. I recommend waiting until about a year after surgery before considering revision on a nose. De-rotation can sometimes be accomplished by releasing cartilage and scar tissue, and sometimes with some cartilage grafting. However, it may still settle spontaneously a bit more in the next few months.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for the question and for including pictures. I recommend waiting a full year as your nose will continue to heal. If after a year you are still unhappy, there are options to derotate the nose, but it will require more surgery and another round of healing. It will be important to maintain a positive attitude and a good relationship with your surgeon (I agree that your nose is a bit over rotated but I also think the rest of the nose looks good). 
Good luck,
Mehdi Sina, MD

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. The ideal rotation for a female is somewhere between 95-105 degrees. You look to be close to this in your photos. It can take up to 12 months for the scar tissue and swelling to diminish after rhinoplasty. If after a year you still do not like the appearance of your nose, then you can have another surgery to rotate your tip down into a position you're happier with. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

David A. Sherris, MD · Answer

Your nose is still healing and the final result is not there until 1 year. From the photos your nose looks to be within the normal range of rotation, so it does not look overrotated. Speak to your surgeon at the next visit to address your concerns.

Was my nose over-rotated? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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