Hi, I had an open revision rhinoplasty approximately 3 months ago consisting of: 1. A dorsal rib cartilage/perichondrium graft. 2. Spreader grafts. 3. A columellar strut to correct a droopy, under-projected tip. My nose has a hump, is stiff, feels over-grafted, over-projected. I am dissatisfied with the aesthetics. My tip is also hard as a rock from the strut and very painful. Are these issues correctable and is it possible for me to regain a natural looking/feeling nose?
Answer: Stiff Nose After Rib Graft Is Normal
It is completely normal to have a stiff nose/tip after a rhinoplasty, especially after a revision rhinoplasty where a rib graft is employed. Post operative swelling is significant for a year or more in all rhinoplasties, and more so in revisions. The rib graft is a stiff type of cartilage which will also contribute to your symptoms. Further, it is not uncommon for a small metal wire to be inserted inside the rib graft to prevent a common problem of these type of grafts: warping. If this is the case, you will always have a very stiff nose/tip.
The other issue you are describing may also need attention too: persistent hump. If after one year you are still dissatisfied with the appearance and stiffness of your nose, a revision may be necessary. If that is the case, removing the wire along with shaving the graft may be the remedy.
Be patient, and folllow up with your surgeon regularly.
Best of luck!
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
Answer: Stiff Nose After Rib Graft Is Normal
It is completely normal to have a stiff nose/tip after a rhinoplasty, especially after a revision rhinoplasty where a rib graft is employed. Post operative swelling is significant for a year or more in all rhinoplasties, and more so in revisions. The rib graft is a stiff type of cartilage which will also contribute to your symptoms. Further, it is not uncommon for a small metal wire to be inserted inside the rib graft to prevent a common problem of these type of grafts: warping. If this is the case, you will always have a very stiff nose/tip.
The other issue you are describing may also need attention too: persistent hump. If after one year you are still dissatisfied with the appearance and stiffness of your nose, a revision may be necessary. If that is the case, removing the wire along with shaving the graft may be the remedy.
Be patient, and folllow up with your surgeon regularly.
Best of luck!
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
March 22, 2011
Answer: Overprojection and hard tip after rhinoplasty.
Overprojection and hard tip after rhinoplasty is normal and should go down over the next 9 months. If not it can be corrected by a revision rhinoplasty experienced surgeon. Wait at least 3 more months before evaluation.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 22, 2011
Answer: Overprojection and hard tip after rhinoplasty.
Overprojection and hard tip after rhinoplasty is normal and should go down over the next 9 months. If not it can be corrected by a revision rhinoplasty experienced surgeon. Wait at least 3 more months before evaluation.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Revision rhinoplasty with rib graft will improve with time Your experience after a revision rhinoplasty with rib graft is very common. Initially the nose feel stiff and over projected as you describe. However after a year to a year and a half I am always amazed that the results definitely improve, look more natural, and are less stiff. Be sure to consult your plastic surgeon
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Revision rhinoplasty with rib graft will improve with time Your experience after a revision rhinoplasty with rib graft is very common. Initially the nose feel stiff and over projected as you describe. However after a year to a year and a half I am always amazed that the results definitely improve, look more natural, and are less stiff. Be sure to consult your plastic surgeon
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
January 7, 2015
Answer: Overprojection and Hard Tip Resulting from Columella Strut
The stiff tip and your other concerns are not uncommon after rib grafting in revision rhinoplasty. Wait at least 6-9 months before you assess the final result. If necessary rib grafts can be trimmed and modified but hopefully that won't be necessary.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
January 7, 2015
Answer: Overprojection and Hard Tip Resulting from Columella Strut
The stiff tip and your other concerns are not uncommon after rib grafting in revision rhinoplasty. Wait at least 6-9 months before you assess the final result. If necessary rib grafts can be trimmed and modified but hopefully that won't be necessary.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
January 5, 2014
Answer: Stiff rib graft after revision rhinoplasty By definition, the rib graft to the dorsum will be stiff in order to provide the support to the bridge after revision rhinoplasty. The rib cartilage is the least 'natural' of cartilage graft material, and can feel or behave much like a nasal implant, though the results over time are far better. Your nose may indeed be over grafted and the aesthetics may be 'all wrong'. Despite all this, it is best to wait it out six to twelve months and let the grafts settle in. Revision may be the answer but the graft will offer a working framework to soften and adjust the result. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
January 5, 2014
Answer: Stiff rib graft after revision rhinoplasty By definition, the rib graft to the dorsum will be stiff in order to provide the support to the bridge after revision rhinoplasty. The rib cartilage is the least 'natural' of cartilage graft material, and can feel or behave much like a nasal implant, though the results over time are far better. Your nose may indeed be over grafted and the aesthetics may be 'all wrong'. Despite all this, it is best to wait it out six to twelve months and let the grafts settle in. Revision may be the answer but the graft will offer a working framework to soften and adjust the result. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Helpful 1 person found this helpful