My rhinoplasty has changed 5 years post-op! The tip seems to have sunk/dropped? Is there anything causing this? (Photo)

Question

It has been 5 years since my 2nd rhinoplasty procedure and my nose shape has changed considerably! I know it takes about a year for the swelling to subside, and after a year I was thrilled with the results! But the past 2 years it has been changing, and now I feel like it is almost the same as it was pre-surgery! I don't have any 'before' shots unfortunately but here are photo's from 2 years post-op and 4 years PO. The tip seems to have sunk/dropped? Is there anything causing this?

Bryan Friedman, DO · Answer

Nasal tip ptosis or drooping can occur over time after surgery.  The reason for this is because major support structures can be compromised or violated to achieve aesthetic changes desired.  I advise you to go and speak to your surgeon and ask they review the operative report and steps taken intraoperatively.   There are procedures that can be performed to create improved tip stability and correct the ptosisregards

William A. Wallace, MD, FACS · Answer

To best answer your question it is important to know fully what the original rhinoplasty entailed with respect to the tip work. Failure to provide adequate support when redefining the tip can cause late changes such as yours. This can be corrected through a secondary procedure, after evaluation of available donor cartilage to facilitate the reconstruction.

Peter Callan, MBBS, FRACS, MBA · Answer

Hi there.  Yes it's hard to believe they are the same nose.Structural rhinoplasty these days involves firmly fixing everything, but even so, yours seems to have dropped a lot.It would be best to see your surgeon.  Even in the best hands noses do change with time.

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

You had a fabulous result in your 2 year post-op!  You are correct that most swelling has subsided following rhinoplasty at a year, but subtle changes in the nose still occur over a lifetime.  One thing that stuck out in your question is that this was your second rhinoplasty.  I would see the doctor that performed your revision rhinoplasty, as he/ she would know the condition of your cartilages and septum and if any grafts were placed and where.  Understanding your current anatomy with that information is crucial in determining the cause as well as what can be done to correct the problem.  Most tips do droop with age, but in your case, it's likely not the major factor.  A physical exam is also in order to help determine the cause.  I wish you well!

My rhinoplasty has changed 5 years post-op! The tip seems to have sunk/dropped? Is there anything causing this? (Photo)

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Answer: Rhinoplasty changes 5 years post-op

Answer: Rhinoplasty changes 5 years post-op

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My rhinoplasty has changed 5 years post-op! The tip seems to have sunk/dropped? Is there anything causing this? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Rhinoplasty changes 5 years post-op

Answer: Rhinoplasty changes 5 years post-op

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.