How and when Does the Nose Collapse After Rhinoplasty?

Nasal collapse after rhinoplasty typically occurs gradually over several years. Very often the nose looks fine initially (even the first year or so) before the weakened underlying nasasl structure is overcome by scar contracture and the shrink-wrap effect of the skin.

The areas that can be affected by this contracture process include:


middle third of the nose which can cause narrowing and possibly nasal obstruction due to its effect on the internal nasal valve

supra-alar tip which would lead to an unnatural pinching of the tip

tip projection/rotation leading to drooping of the tip over time

tip cartilage distortion or irregularities


This nasal collapse can be prevented by using a structure-based rhinoplasty approach where the nasal structure is augmented (typically using your own cartilage) to ensure that it can withstand this force. This method is a little more involved and takes a bit more time but I find that it is definitely worth it in the long term.

Unfortunately, patients who undergo rhinoplasty surgery can occasionally suffer collapse of the nasal dorsum. This can occur for a variety of reasons including over resection of the upper lateral cartilage, nasal septum and nasal bones. Under these circumstances the problem becomes noticeable with the resolution of swelling in the immediate post-operative period.
                In other cases, these changes may be subtle and take longer to develop. In this situation weakened structures may settle with tightening and shrinking of the skin envelope secondary to scarring.

                Fortunately, this problem is relatively rare. When collapse of the nasal dorsum occurs secondary surgery is usually always necessary. 

Hello again,

The nose can collapse for multiple reasons with nasal surgery. More commonly the skin and cartilage gradually becomes weaker with age causing collapse. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a rhinoplasty surgeon help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki

What you are referring to is a middle vault collapse. This occurs during surgery and is due to over reseceted upper lateral cartilage, nasal septum, or nasal bones. If a rhinoplasty is well performed and adequate tissue is resected, the nasal structure will not collapse months after surgery. Good luck

Sometimes mid vault colapse becomes more apparant after the swelling dissipates. This usually occurs during the first year post-op.

Initial surgical result is not an indication how the nose will look one year and longer after the surgery.

The bones and gartilages form the support to the soft tissues of the nose, excessively altered and weakened structural support can cause  a deformity(collapse etc,) several months after the surgery. 

Collapse, of the nose, after Rhinoplasty occurs because to much bone or cartilage was removed during the Rhinoplasty.  The nasal bones are set 1 month after a Rhinoplasty and things will not just out of the blue collapse.  The collapse happens during the surgery and is temporarily hidden by swelling but only barely...it is typically visible as soon as the cast is taken off and the shape revealed.

This is a simple answer....If you go to an experienced and well qualified rhinoplasty surgeon the answer is never. In 30 years of doing rhinoplasties (3000-4000) I have never had a nose collapse. It is important to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Significant nasal collapse can become apparent within several weeks after rhinoplasty as swelling resolves. Subtle changes may occur over 6-12 months. Be optimistic - you cannot doing anything to change your result until healing is complete.