Why did my nose abnormally swell so much? Will it happen again? (Photos)

Question

Yes, I've had multiple revisions. 1 when I was young and 3 over the last 10 years. I chose surgeons with very conservative rhinoplasty styles which was my own mistake. I've had some consults. Each new doctor says the level of swelling of my last surgery is abnormal & something is wrong. 1 even said I may be having a reaction to the cadaver rib/fat from a previous surgery. I'm unsure. I know I'm a tough case and have lots of scarring, but is a thinner/even nose not in the cards w/ a final revision?

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi Agean,
It sound like you've been through a lot! I would say that your choice to see surgeons with a conservative approach is actually a wise one. As you know, there's often no going back after an "aggressive" rhinoplasty procedure. I see the swelling you're referring to, and it does look extreme, but the good news is that (based on these photos) it seems to have resolved. If you are still seeking a slimmer nasal profile, it could be possible. If I were consulting with you, I'd like to examine inside the nose to see if further surgical intervention would cause breathing problems for you. I tell all my patients, that you won't be happy with your nose if you can't breathe well! Many of my revision rhinoplasties have some sort of insurance coverage. I'd be happy to take a look into your situation further and offer my advice. Feel free to contact my team here. 
I wish you luck on your search for treatment!
- Dr. Nik

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @AegeanC91. I'm sorry about your experiences. I recommend seeing an expert revision rhinoplasty specialist for an in person examination. There are options for you that can be determined after examination. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you have had a difficult and frustrating experience with your rhinoplasty procedures. It's not uncommon for multiple revisions to be necessary to achieve the desired result, especially if previous surgeries have left scarring and other complications.

It's important to consult with an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon who can evaluate the condition of your nose and advise you on your options for a final revision. It's possible that a thinner and more even nose can be achieved, but it will depend on the specifics of your case and the techniques used in the surgery.

Some factors that may impact the success of a revision rhinoplasty include the amount of scar tissue present, the thickness of the skin on the nose, and the condition of the cartilage and other tissues.

During a consultation, your surgeon can evaluate your nose, discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and recommend a customized treatment plan. They may suggest techniques such as cartilage grafting, tissue rearrangement, or other approaches to achieve the desired result.

It's also important to have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. While a final revision can improve the appearance of your nose, it may not be possible to completely correct all issues or achieve a perfect result. However, with the right surgeon and approach, it's possible to achieve a significant improvement in the appearance and function of your nose.

Best of luck !

Why did my nose abnormally swell so much? Will it happen again? (Photos)

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Why did my nose abnormally swell so much? Will it happen again? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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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.