How Much Smaller Can a Revision Rhinoplasty Make a Nose?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty a year ago for deviated septum where nose was broken and realigned and my nose still looks extremely swollen and longer like an elephant. The bridge is higher between the eyes and I can't even smile anymore at all because upper teeth don't show. I have generally thick skin and it feels as if the nose does not adhere to the bone as it did prior. I am very worried and looking into revision. How much smaller can a revision make a nose?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Pictures or an exam would be necessary to evaluate.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

It will really depend on your anatomy, skin, and overall goals. I recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss your goals.

William D. Losquadro, MD · Answer

The overall size of the nose prior to surgery is the main determinant as to how small it can become after surgery.  Noses are made smaller by reducing the underlying nasal structure. Since skin is not removed during surgery (with the occasional exception of the ala), it must be able to shrink onto the new, smaller structure.  This process is one of the primary reasons swelling takes so long to resolve after rhinoplasty. If the nasal structure is overaggressively reduced, the remaining skin envelope may be too large to accommodate it.  This leads to problems such as pollybeak deformities and round, amorphous tips.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello, and sorry to hear you are not happy with your surgery. It is difficult to provide you with specific advice without seeing any photos. The degree to which a nose can be made smaller depends on the individual circumstances of the patient, and an exam would be necessary to answer your question. In general, patient's with thick skin may not always achieve the level of definition they desire. I would recommend a consult with a board certified revision rhinoplasty specialist. He or she will be able to evaluate your nose in person and provide you with advice. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Jon F. Harrell, DO, FACS · Answer

A picture would be worth a lot in this instance. Lacking photos, your only option is to have an experienced surgeon examine your nose. It can most likely be improved but many times the surgeon will need to set reasonable expectations based on his/her experience and your special anatomy as well as your own expectations. Just make sure the surgeon is experienced and has a firm understanding of your concerns as well as a plan that you are in agreement with.  Best of Luck  Dr Harrell

How Much Smaller Can a Revision Rhinoplasty Make a Nose?

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Answer: How much smaller can a revision rhinoplasty make a nose?

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Answer: Can a revision Rhinoplasty make a nose smaller?

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How Much Smaller Can a Revision Rhinoplasty Make a Nose?

Answers (8)

Answer: How much smaller can a revision rhinoplasty make a nose?

Answer: How much smaller can a revision rhinoplasty make a nose?

Answer: Can a revision Rhinoplasty make a nose smaller?

Answer: Can a revision Rhinoplasty make a nose smaller?

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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