I will be undergoing a complex revision which will entail the unsuturing of the medial crura, use of septal columella strut to separate the domes, and the use of ear cartilage to replace the cephalic strip that was removed during my primary. These grafts will NOT be morselized, but solidly shaped to make up for the 6mm that was removed from my tip. Goal of surgery is to replicate a boxy, bulbous, droopy tip. How often do tip grafts reabsorb? And have you personally encountered this?
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May 23, 2017
Answer: Reabsorption of tip grafts --- what is the likelihood of this occurring?
Yes, the nasal bones can float around somewhat in the first two weeks following a rhinoplasty. The first week they are held in place by the splint. I ask my patients to apply gentle pressure, symmetrically, to both sides of the nasal dorsum to help maintain the properly narrowed appearance....
The tip is the last to go, especially if you had an open rhinoplasty. Be patient. You will get reassurance from your surgeon if you call him/her, but will likely just here that it is too early to make any conclusions. It always gets better, but it takes time. Don't panic.
You should have negligible swelling at this point, but the stock answer is you need to wait six months before passing final judgement. There is probably another 20% of "swollen" and some settling that will occur.At this point, you do look a little overprojected and the length of your upper lip...
