What does it mean when the surgeon says wait for the "skin to shrink" over your new nose? (photo)

Question

Can someone explain this shrink process simply? I had some fatty tissue removed and new cartilage added into my tip 9mths ago. Is this process similar to when you are cold your skin contracts and becomes or feels tighter?I notice after I exercise the size of my tip expands and looks more bulbous and bigger and feels 'tighter as if its swollen. If I rub a couple of ice cubes on my tip-the size of my tip decreases and I can feel a 'ball' point on my tip-is this when the skin shrinks over the tip?

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

Shrink wrapping after rhinoplasty refers to the process where the soft tissue overlying the cartilage and bone framework of your nose will contract down to more tightly adhere to the underlying structure. This process of shrink wrapping can take upwards of two years before it plateaus completely. Thicker, ethnic, male skin tends to take much longer simply because it is not as compliant as thin, fair skin. Think of the difference between a comforter and a sheet on your bed. The sheet would be more likely to shrink wrap down much more quickly. Stay patient. Happy healing.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would wait at least a year after cartilage grafting to determine if there is residual swelling.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

By removing soft tissue from under the tip of your nose, your surgeon is expecting the skin to shrink around the underlying farmework.  because you have had surgery it would be expected that your nose might swell with stenuous exercise and then shrink later.  By one year though what you see should be what you get.

What does it mean when the surgeon says wait for the "skin to shrink" over your new nose? (photo)

Answers (3)