Lost nose tip projection years after rhinoplasty, I'm wondering if my tip has been stabilized? (Photos)

Question

I had rhinoplasty in Korea 7 years ago to raise my bridge using silicone and nose tip projection using cadaver rib cartilage + own ear cartilage graft. I've been noticing a significant reduction in the projection of my nose tip around 4 years post op. While I miss my old profile view, I'm still overall happy with the results. My nose has been healthy throughout without complications, I'm wondering if my tip has been stabilized, I would be concerned if my tip contracts further.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and pictures. I can see what you're talking about but it's hard to fully tell based on these pictures- a lot of them are cut off. In general, it takes up to 2 years for all the swelling to fully resolve, and by 7 years out, things should be pretty stable. That said, if you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose (especially tip projection), you would likely need a revision rhinoplasty to properly correct your issue and to solidly reinforce the entire underlying framework to assure you get the BEST long term results (to prevent distortion and retraction from scarring forces over time).

Revision rhinoplasty is truly a surgery of millimeters- they are the most technically challenging procedures in all of plastic surgery! Because your nose is the DEFINING feature of your face- I would only recommend seeing a surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty procedures, and who has significant training and experience performing these surgeries. I actually trained under one of the world leading revision rhinoplasty experts (who performs 1,000+ nosejobs annually).

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, I recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with revision rhinoplasties) to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate your options, and develop a personalized plan just for you. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Since you are seven years postoperative, and overall happy with your results, I doubt that they would be any resorption of your cadaver rib cartilage moving forward. You were probably noticing some age related changes with your nose where everybody's nasal tip will droop several millimeters over time, especially when there is thick nasal skin. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your pictures are difficult to interpret.
Cadaver Cartlidge may not be the ideal building block, and this could have something to do with the gradual changes of your procedure.
Follow up with your provider if possible or have a few in person consultations with other plastic surgeons.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Lost nose tip projection years after rhinoplasty, I'm wondering if my tip has been stabilized? (Photos)

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Lost nose tip projection years after rhinoplasty, I'm wondering if my tip has been stabilized? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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