16 months post op. The tip and columella are still numb and hard. Pollybeak or post-op swelling? (Photo)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty 16 months ago and the tip and columna of my nose are still numb and hard. Now I'm concerned I may have developed a pollybeak. Any advice is appreciated.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

A firm feeling and numbness are common after rhinoplasty and are mostly related to swelling.  At 16 months post-op I expect most of the swelling to be resolved.  I would suggest following up with your surgeon for a personal evaluation to make sure all is healing normally.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question!

It is understandable that you are
concerned especially with the idea of developing a supratip fullness. Changes after rhinoplasties vary with
every patient and what you are experiencing is not uncommon.

To assess swelling, a physical examination is required in person. Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that a year is required before formulating how
your nose will be, but longer with a thick skin. Even then, your nose will keep
shaping itself to complement your face for better results in the years to come.

My best recommendation at the moment is
to be patient and allow nature to take its course. If at the end you remained unsatisfied with the end results down the road, you can benefit from a revision rhinoplasty.The finest
cosmetic results in any particular case are based on a variety of factors,
including: the unique anatomy of the patient, realistic expectations, a
well-informed and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon concerning the
best options for you especially covering a deep understanding of the pros and
cons of any given choice you will adopt.

So please keep
in mind that following the advice from a surgeon online who offers to tell you
what to do without a physical examination covering the nature and the status of
the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and
discussing the pros and cons of each operative solution would not be in your
best interest. With that in mind, it is the safest and for your best interest
to find a plastic surgeon with solid experience and certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery who is ideally a member of the American Society of
Plastic Surgeons that you will trust and be comfortable with. You should discuss
your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Ali
Sajjadian, MD FACS

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

As long as the nose is changing there is a possibility that it will end up as you wish. One photograph is not enough to make a judgment on the trend. If the nose doesn't change it looks as though you would benefit from a revision.

R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD · Answer

The only way to now what is swelling is by a physical examination. Even at 16 months you might benefit from night taping. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  Ask if there were grafts placed in the columella and or tip that might explain what you are feeling.  You have what appears to be a very nice result overall and quite natural appearing

16 months post op. The tip and columella are still numb and hard. Pollybeak or post-op swelling? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling or pollybeak?

Answer: Swelling or pollybeak?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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16 months post op. The tip and columella are still numb and hard. Pollybeak or post-op swelling? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling or pollybeak?

Answer: Swelling or pollybeak?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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