1 1/2 weeks post op revision rhinoplasty. Will my nose shrink?

Question

I got a revision rhinoplasty because I wanted my nose smaller and closer to my face. I felt like the tip of my nose was always big. Im a week and half post op and I feel my nose is bigger and sticks out farther. I look like Pinocchio. Also from the from my nostrils are uneven. I know there is a lot of changes because I went through this before but I don’t think my nose is going to shrink from the side. It feels like that is my bone. I am so upset about it

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

At  less than 2 weeks after surgery your nose is swollen and so it is too early to judge.  However the profile will not change dramatically.  Deprojecting the tip requires specific surgical maneuvers. Your only option at this time is to wait for the swelling to resolve and reevaluate.

Richard Mark Winters, MD · Answer

although some of your tip issues may be because of early post operative swelling, the obtuse angle of your profile and over-projected tip will likely remain... these are specific anatomical issues that require directed structural surgical maneuvers... the limiting factor for revisions is partly time to allow swelling to come down but mostly the suppleness of the nasal skin as this is what permits safe surgeryDon’t rush and limit your search to rhinoplasty revision experts who have been in practice a while, have a practice focused on rhinoplasty and a propensity towards revisionsGood luck

Eric W. Cerrati, MD · Answer

With just having had the cast removed, you definitely have a lot of swelling present.  I counsel all of my patients that changes can occur in the nose up to 1 year from the surgery.  Additionally, I like to follow my patients long-term as the swelling resolves.  Factors that contribute to the edema include primary vs revision, skin thickness, rhinoplasty technique, surgical maneuvers, activity levels, how one sleeps, etc.  For you, I anticipate that you will see considerable change over this first month.  I recommend that you keep in close contact with your surgeon and attend all postop appointments.
Best of luck.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Gdurbbo, You still have swelling that will dissipate over the coming months and you may see the tip come down a small amount depending on the techniques that were used. Whether this will be enough to make you happy is difficult to say.  The tip is currently over projected and only time will tell. See your surgeon and discuss your concerns as your surgeon knows best what your projected results were, what techniques were used and where you are in the recovery phase. See some examples in the link below and expected changes you may see in the video attached.  Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

1 1/2 weeks post op revision rhinoplasty. Will my nose shrink?

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Answer: Swelling after Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after Revision Rhinoplasty

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1 1/2 weeks post op revision rhinoplasty. Will my nose shrink?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after Revision Rhinoplasty

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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.