Is a pointy tip normal after rhinoplasty? 3 weeks p.o. (photos)

Question

I had rhinoplasty 3 weeks ago and the tip is very pointy and upward and the columella is very swollen.. will this go down or this how it will be?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

You need to have patience with your body as it begins to heal. The skin, bone and cartilage are all traumatized during surgery. Inflammation (swelling) is the normal response and will help your nose to heal and look beautiful in the end. If, one year from now, you are unhappy with your nose, then that is the time to think about a revision procedure. Right now, concentrate on other things you like to do and let your nose and under eyes take the time to heal. I hope this helps.

Samuel Lin, MD, FACS · Answer

Agreed, it is relatively early in the process of healing as at least 1 year of swelling does persist but I would continue to followup with your surgeon..

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing or photograph and questions.In general, the swelling and the nasal tip and columella take the longest to resolve.  Over time, as swelling resolves, the nasal tip rotation will improve and the tip will "settle" into a slightly lower position making the nose look less "upturned". It's difficult to comment on the "pointy" nasal tip with only a profile view. Although, I would tell you be patient at this point. The nasal appearance will likely improve over time. It takes at least one full year for the nose to heal completely. Make sure you maintain long term follow up (for at least one year) with your rhinoplasty surgeon. Thanks again for sharing! Good luck!Dr. Harmych

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

...don't you notice your tip is upturned, you have a too short nose and short septum? Hopefully this will not a case for revision in the future.I wonder if you got a poor septoplasty or septal trimming at the caudal portion, that is a very risky and unwise maneuver in the vast majority of times it is applied.

Jacqueline Wegge, MD · Answer

At only 3 weeks after rhinoplasty, your nose will still be very swollen.  It takes a significant amount of time for this swelling to go down and for you to see the final results.  Things improve dramatically within the first few months, but it often takes a full year for the rest of the swelling to completely resolve and for you to see the fine details of the shape of the nose.  Make sure that you are regularly following up with your surgeon.  You already look like you have a very nice result!

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear koko, I would suggest that you follow up with your surgeon as he/she knows what your proposed results were, what techniques were used and where you are in the recovery phase. You are still early in the recovery process and should see some changes in the coming months as the swelling continues to dissipate. See some examples of seven days post surgery vs. four to five months in the video below to give you some ideas of what changes can be expected.  Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Congratulations on your rhinoplasty.  Your side view looks excellent for so early after rhinoplasty.  It is very usual and normal for the tip to look "pointy" so early after rhinoplasty.  The concern after rhinoplasty is that the nasal tip can drop and starting out with the tip in a proper high position can help prevent this problem.  Your result looks excellent on side view to me but of course check with your surgeon if you have concerns.

Is a pointy tip normal after rhinoplasty? 3 weeks p.o. (photos)

Answers (7)

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