My Nose is Too Short Following Rhinoplasty

Question

Hi, I had an open Rhinoplasty 6 weeks ago and my nose is shorter now than before the surgery. We didn't discuss shortening the length of my nose, but now it appears shorter and raised up looking for my face. My surgeon used suture techiniques and a strut graft in the tip, which I feel is preventing my nose from falling back to its original longer-looking position. Is the strut preventing my tip from falling back to it's original postion? And about how long does it take? Thank you for time!

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

You are correct that your columellar strut will serve to maintain tip projection and prevent tip counter rotation (tip drop). Since you are only 1 1/2 months out of surgery it is possible that following the resolution of swelling that the tip may drop, but this will be minimal. In any event, any decision for revision will have to wait for 1 year to truly evaluate the final appearance of your nose. If the nose is substantially shortened, it can be lengthened in revision surgery utilizing "extended spreader grafts" and/or a "septal extender graft". If you would like to discuss this in more detail feel free to contact me. Good Luck....Dr. Corrado

Thomas T. Le, MD · Answer

Six weeks is awfully early after a rhinoplasty. However, if your septum was shortened, then there is a good likelihood that the overshortening of your nose will be long-lived, although there can potentially be a small amount of drop in the tip as time passes. To re-lengthen the nose, the septum has to be re-elongated. I would be happy to discuss further.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It takes a minimum of 6 months for the tip to be at it;s final position and up to 1 year. Try to be patient and it will probably be fine.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I read your concern. You're correct: columella-strut-grafts are helpful in maintaining the position of your tip following rhinoplasty surgery. Your tip may fall a few millimeters from the effect of gravity over the ensuing months. Feel free to email your photo, and i'll be happy to share my thoughts with you.

	Regards from NJ

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

A strut is used to maintain projection and rotation. While it is true that the strut will keep the tip from rotating, it is likely that it will fall from its current position but that may take a minimum of 6 months

My Nose is Too Short Following Rhinoplasty

Answers (8)