Is There Any Hope my Nose Will Look Smaller?

Question

I am 4 1/2 months post Rhinoplasty.  Not real happy with the outcome of my surgery, my nose is not at all like I had hoped.  I see my surgeon again in February.  Hearing advice from the surgeons on this site helps so much.  I know that all say the true result will be in a year.  Will I see my nose get smaller?
I still have some tenderness and swollen membrane inside my nostrils.  I am healing very well all in all.  Is there any hope my nose with contour and look smaller?  Thank you in advance!

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

Generally
speaking, the great majority of the swelling that follows a nose job subsides
by the two month recovery mark. Still, it takes up to an entire year for the
remainder of the swelling to go down, during which time your nose will continue
to change and conform to its new shape. Since you are about 4.5 months into
your recovery, I would say that your new nose will probably not substantially
decrease in size from the size it is now. If you are still unhappy with the
results of your nose job surgery, you can always consider getting a revision
rhinoplasty done by the same surgeon or by a different surgeon altogether. In
this way, you can really tailor your second surgery to your needs and can focus
your doctor’s attention on getting that smaller nose that you want.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients undergoing rhinoplasty to have prolonged swelling. In many cases this can make the nose look large and prominent. Several factors including the use of open rhinoplasty, fracture of the nasal bones, thickness of the nasal skin, and a previous rhinoplasty have been associated with prolonged swelling.
                Most patients will note significant swelling for about two to three weeks following surgery. After two weeks, most patients are comfortable resuming their normal lives and going out in public.
  
                Swelling will persist in most patients for at least one year following surgery, with the nasal tip being the last site to experience resolution. In some cases swelling may affect the shape and contour of the nose. 
  
                If you’re concerned about the appearance of your nose following rhinoplasty surgery consultation with your plastic surgeon is appropriate. Your surgeon should be able to discuss your concerns and alleviate your anxiety.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

At this point of your postoperative phase you should get a good idea of what your final result will be.  Of course there will still be some resolution of swelling and some minor nasal remodeling for up to a year.  There is some variability in how fast the nasal swelling resolves, depending on extent of nasal trauma during surgery, nasal skin thickness,  overall size of pre-op nose, open vs closed technique, etc.  Since you state that there is still some tenderness and swelling that could indicate that you are still in healing phase, and you might get some meaningful shrinkage of your nose.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi MyNewMe,
Your new nose should get "smaller" and improve in contour as time goes on.  Following rhinoplasty as swelling and scar tissue evolve, the nose seems to get smaller.  A nose will ultimately look only as good as the underlying structure that was left behind by the operating surgeon.
Unfortunately there are many patients whose noses look fabulous when the splint and tape are removed only to have a "shrink-wrap effect" take place over the subsequent 2 to 5 years.  This occurs when the underlying cartilage and bone are insufficient resulting in that "pinched-done" nose job look.  
In your specific case, your surgeon is best suited to tell you what to expect over the next few months to year.  At 4 1/2 months following surgery, there should be a good general idea of what your nose will look like.  
Certainly we do not recommend revision surgery for at least 6 to 12 months following your initial procedure.  On the positive side, it is always easier to take off a little more to make a nose smaller than to have to augment the nose to make it bigger.
Be patient, stay close with your surgeon and much good luck in your healing process.
Dr. P

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The selling takes at least one year to resolve and up to two years in patients with very thick skin. So enjoy the results knowing that they will just get better every month.

Is There Any Hope my Nose Will Look Smaller?

Answers (9)

Answer: There is Hope That the Nose Will Look Smaller and More Contoured As Time Passes After Rhinoplasty

Answer: There is Hope That the Nose Will Look Smaller and More Contoured As Time Passes After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Yes it absolutely will get smaller

Answer: Yes it absolutely will get smaller

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is There Any Hope my Nose Will Look Smaller?

Answers (9)

Answer: There is Hope That the Nose Will Look Smaller and More Contoured As Time Passes After Rhinoplasty

Answer: There is Hope That the Nose Will Look Smaller and More Contoured As Time Passes After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Yes it absolutely will get smaller

Answer: Yes it absolutely will get smaller

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.