I am so unhappy with my rhinoplasty results and don't know what to do.

Question

I am 4 weeks post op and had some grafting added into my left nostril. I wanted the tip raised and feel that it is low, droopy and overall just unflattering. My oblique view is so upsetting. I am seeing the surgeon in a week and am not sure what if anything can be done to raise the tip at this point. Can this be fixed with a subsequent surgery? What would that entail? Is there anything to do in the meantime. I'm devastated. Thanks in advance for your input.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

I agonized briefly about how to respond to your question. Any doctor would tell you, accurately, that four weeks is early in the healing period, and lots will happen before your nose is done healing. But ...I'll tell you what I'd tell my sister. It's just very unlikely that the tip of your nose will elevate during the healing process. The nose will get narrower along the bridge and at the tip, and the height of the bridge will probably lower some, too, and all those changes will make your nose look smaller overall, and that will probably make you more and more comfortable with your appearance.But the tip just doesn't tend to elevate with time. I would much rather that my patients are nervous because the tip is too high at four weeks, than they be nervous because the tip is too low.To get a substantial elevation of the tip, you will probably need a revision rhinoplasty. Elevating the tip, even during a revision, is quite predictable, if the doctor is expert at making those changes during a revision, so you must see a doctor's before and after photos before you have the operation. See the attached video and Web reference link for examples of what can be done in the right hands.

Eric J. Yavrouian, MD · Answer

Dear Amy, I understand your concerns regarding your postoperative results. After a rhinoplasty, there is a significant amount of swelling that takes about a year to resolve. It is difficult to assess the final results of your surgery after only one month. The nose will continue to change and 90% of your swelling will resolve within the first 3 months. I recommend you address your concerns with your surgeon, however, you have a great deal of time to go before you assess the final results of your surgery. In terms of revision surgery, most of your concerns can be addressed with a future surgery but give it more time before you think about a second surgery as your nose will continue to change throughout this healing process. Best of luck to you.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

From the photographs I can see why you're disappointed but much will change in the future. I would not be too alarmed about the situation at present. Express your concerns to your plastic surgeon.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. It's too early to talk about final results. Send your photos again after 4 months of surgery where the swelling is gonna be smaller. Probably you will need a rhinoplasty revision. Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

In short, yes your nose can be "fixed" and you can achieve your desired result.First your desired outcome must be defined and mutually agreed upon. Once defined, a surgical plan is discussed and agreed up.When properly carried out, in experienced and aesthetic hands, you can achieve what you desire. Having said this, remember nothing in nature is perfect and neither are aesthetic surgeons. Significant improvement can be expected allowing you to move on with your life.Hope this helps.

I am so unhappy with my rhinoplasty results and don't know what to do.

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Answer: Unhappy with rhinoplasty post op. Some advices:

Answer: Unhappy with rhinoplasty post op. Some advices:

Answer: I am so unhappy with my rhinoplasty results and don't know what to do

Answer: I am so unhappy with my rhinoplasty results and don't know what to do

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I am so unhappy with my rhinoplasty results and don't know what to do.

Answers (6)

Answer: Unhappy with rhinoplasty post op. Some advices:

Answer: Unhappy with rhinoplasty post op. Some advices:

Answer: I am so unhappy with my rhinoplasty results and don't know what to do

Answer: I am so unhappy with my rhinoplasty results and don't know what to do

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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.