Ball-like Nose Tip After Septoplasty

Question

I had a nose job, a septoplasty, with my nose narrowed and the tip refined. While the nose appears to be smaller, the tip is ball-like, and from the side view, it juts out. Could this be because of the general swelling of the nose? How much smaller could the "ball" look once the swelling has gone down?

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

Although internal airway swelling can and frequently does occur after septal surgery, external swelling is rare. However, it sounds like your operation involved surgery to the external nasal structures including the bone and tip cartilages. This situation is very different and swelling can last up to one year in the tip.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears as though you had a septorhinoplasty procedure that included alterations to the nasal tip. This may be a result of under or over-resection of the nasal cartilage and nasal cartilage dorsum. Swelling is noticeable early on, but generally subsides with time.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with the remarks of Dr. Porter above. It takes time for the swelling to resolve after nasal surgery. It is common for this to take up to one year after after surgery. However, achieving a satisfactory appearance of the nasal tip is a key aspect of successful rhinoplasty and is also one of the most challenging components that requires skill on the part of the surgeon. Allow time to pass and hopefully the final appearance of your tip will be pleasing to you. If not, you may need to seek an experienced facial plastic surgeon with skill in rhinoplasty to address your concerns.

Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling of the nasal tip after rhinoplasty is to be expected. The extent of swelling is variable by patient and depends on the thickness of the skin and the amount of swelling that the patient experiences in the early postoperative period. 
The "ball-like" nature of the tip may greatly improve within the first month after surgery, usually taking a full year to see the final result. The final result is a nose with increased tip definition. Patience is the name of the game in the early stages. Avoidance of salty foods and overheating will allow for the swelling to decrease more rapidly.

D.J. Verret, MD · Answer

The septoplasty procedure does not change the shape of the nasal tip. If you had a separate procedure to refine the tip, it can be a year before swelling has resolved. If you are concerned with the appearance, I would definitely suggest speaking with your surgeon about your concerns.

Ball-like Nose Tip After Septoplasty

Answers (5)