Follow-up question: 9 months post-op. Is my nose still upturned?

Question

Hello, it has been 9 months since my rhinoplasty and as you can see, my nose is still upturned, a little short and too rotated. I told my doctor how I want my nose and showed him photos before surgery so I don’t know why he decided to do what he thinks I would like. During my check-up, I told him that my nose is upturned and he said “That’s how it should be. It looks more feminine and elegant.” I’d like to know your opinion. Thank you so much.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Only your opinion matters, and if you feel your nose is too upturned (and I agree), then it is too upturned. In addition, the tip is pinched and the columella droops (the skin between the nostrils). Go visit a few open structural rhinoplasty experts. In my hands, you would likely need rib cartilage to lengthen the nose and septum, as well as provide very strong supporting grafts for the tip.

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. First you need to finish your recovery process, which is at least one year after the operation. An in person consultation could provide best options for you. Lengthening of the dorsum and septum with the help of a rib cartilage, tip refinement and correcting the nasolabial angle could be helpful in your case. Comparing to the open rhinoplasty Closed and Atraumatic technique in Rhinoplasty minimizes swelling and bruises; maximizes healing, prevents tissue damage and eliminates a scar on the columella. To find out more please click on the attached link.Best Regards

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Revision rhinoplasty for the short nose etc.  Your short nose can be corrected with a septal extension graft and possible composite graphs for the ala. This is to lengthen your short up turned nose. See several very experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeons and show you many revisions in those noses like yours. Do not rely on Imaging but rather results.

Thuy-Van Tina Ho, MD · Answer

Dear petitegirlok,
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to make an accurate assessment and recommendations based on photographs alone. I recommend you seek a continued regular follow-up with your surgeon who can perform repeat examinations and discuss with you management options to meet your treatment goals. It does appear your nasal tip is more rotated but hard to know if there is residual swelling. If at one year out from surgery you are still unhappy with your results, you could discuss with your surgeon whether revision rhinoplasty may be beneficial. If you and your surgeon are not on the same page, you may consider a second opinion at that point.

Curtis Perry, MD · Answer

At 9 months out there will not be any significant change in the tip rotation or projection. Much better than photos of others is computer imaging of my patients face when discussing goals for surgery. At this tie you need to consider revision surgery for tip rotation and projection.

Follow-up question: 9 months post-op. Is my nose still upturned?

Answers (5)