Can a tip graft be removed to at least somewhat restore preoperative appearance? (Photo)

It is difficult to answer your question based on the information provided. The best course of action is to discuss your concerns with the original surgeon. If a second opinion is necessary take a complete set of before pictures as well as the operative note to the consultation. It this instance the physical exam is important in order to give you the information you seek.Good luck,Dr. kaiff

Yes it can be removed.And it likely would diminish the point on the tip.  I think it is difficult to know if it will address the upturned nose and flaring nostrils based on photos alone.  Those could be the result of other things that were done. In person exam can shed light on this issue.  So again answer is yes, but may not be as simple as it seems.  May not take you back to where you were.

The tip graft was placed to create a desired appearance of the tip.  If removed, more than likely there will be some type of defect, which will require another approach to restoring a more natural aesthetic appearance.  Sometimes it is possible to re"fit" the graft, or perhaps placing some soft tissue on top of it to soften its appearance.In general, I prefer not to rely on tip grafts except in some patients with thick skin.

eleninmiami,The short answer is, yes, a tip graft can be removed. But that may no be the answer to obtaining the result that you're looking for.It appears that your postop result has left you with a single "tip-defining point" -- the way that light reflects off of the nose. An ideal result will give you a pair of tip-defining points separated by a couple of millimeters. Removing or revising the tip graft can improve that.On the other hand, removing the tip graft may worsen the "upturned" look that you don't care for. Address these concerns with your surgeon. If you both agree that the result is not acceptable than you may agree to have that surgeon revise the rhinoplasty. If the surgeon is not comfortable with that, or if he/she is and you are no longer comfortable with your surgeon, than seek out a consultation with a Board-Certified Facial Plastic or General Plastic Surgeon who has experience with revision rhinoplasty. There are many such surgeons in your area.

I think you are mixing your apples and oranges (to use a
colloquial expression). Tip grafts can quite possibly contribute to “pointy-ness”
or visible edges after rhinoplasty and removal of the graft of simply “smoothing”
the edges of the graft (ie, smoothing it vs removing it) may be all that is
needed.



However, in the “upturned nose and flared” nostrils are
physical issues of their own and, in my opinion, much less likely to be related
to a tip graft. Your photos don’t look so bad from what I see. That said, there
are techniques to address each of your concerns- make tip less pointy, lower
your nostrils and reduce nostril flare. However, to circle back around. I don’t
think all 3 of your concerns are necessarily “linked” to your tip graft.

Best of luck to you.

Based on the posted photos only I see a very improved result. Only in person consultation would allow a understanding if possible removal is a good idea.