Why do I have indents on my nose after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I have had rhinoplasty about 3 months ago. I have these weird indents that really bother me at the tips of my nose and since I got it in another country I can't ask my surgeon about this.. Is it going to go away as it heels? & is it common? I googled it and haven't really found any one with the same problem as me, should I be worried? And also, is my nose still going to change a lot? I want the tip to drop down more because I think it looks too pointy and kind of like there is a ball at the tip

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, this highlights the disadvantages of going out of the country for cosmetic surgery.  The best facial plastic surgeons and plastic surgeons in the world are here in the United States!  Traveling overseas for surgery is risky, especially if complications arise -- you are unable to see the surgeon that performed the surgery, and only he/ she knows which maneuvers were performed.  The indentations could represent the way the cartilage has been manipulated with resection and/ or sutures.  I don't have before photos or additional views to render a fair opinion on the outcome of your tip.  The one thing going for you is that you still have post-operative swelling.  It generally takes at least one year for the last bit of swelling to disappear; this is especially true in the tip of the nose.  I hope things settle out in your favor, but I would suggest visiting with a plastic or facial plastic surgeon here in the states to review your concerns.  Good luck!

Jose Barrera, MD · Answer

It is a bit early to determine the final result of your rhinoplasty. The indents and asymmetry you are seeing can be related to the surgery. I would seek your surgeon in regards to what you are seeing and also be patient before considering a revision too early. Swelling will take close to a year to mostly subside.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question.

It is difficult to determine as swelling may
last several months.

I'd recommend booking a follow-up appointment
with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Take care.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your questions, concerns and photographs.  Based on the views provided by your photos, it appears there may be some residual swelling in the nasal tip.  Please keep in mind that swelling after rhinoplasty surgery can persist for up to one year, and in some cases longer.  For this reason most rhinoplasty surgeons see their patients at regular intervals after surgery for at least one year. Since the swelling persists for so long after rhinoplasty, decisions on revision surgery are generally not made until at least one year following the primary operation. If you are not able to return to see your surgeon I would strongly recommend you find a rhinoplasty surgeon locally that you can follow up with during this year. Be sure to find a surgeon board certified in otolaryngology, plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery.  Thank you again for sharing your photographs and questions.  Good luck!Dr. Harmych

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The reason is NOT as important as what to do. Besides revision rhinoplasty with cartilage grafts you could opt for non surgical rhinoplasty with HA filler injections...

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.  The "indentations" could be secondary to the way the cartilage underneath was contoured or secondary to sutures in closing the lining of the nose.  With swelling these contours can be exaggerated.  At three months some of the swelling has gone away but some still remains.  I think it will be important to continue to give your nose time for full healing to occur and at that time, perhaps in another 3-6 months, you can decide on what if anything would need to be addressed to help you accomplish the result that you desire.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Why do I have indents on my nose after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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