Recovery Process for Pinched Nose Graft?

Question

I need revision rhinoplasty for a pinched nose. I know its a closed procedure with grafting. How is the recovery process compared to regular open rhinoplasty? Will there be bruising and swelling of the face? Or is it a less impact procedure than an open rhinoplasty with bone reshaping?

Sam P. Most, MD · Answer

Revision rhinoplasty is often best done via external approach--especially for nasal tip issues.  The recovery for this procedure is longer than a primary (first-time) rhinoplasty, mostly because of the scarring/prior surgery than whether or not you do it endonasally  ("closed") or externally ("open").  Bruising and swelling of the face varies from patient to patient, but is less often seen in tip work than in bony work.
Hope this helps.

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

If your surgeon plans on doing a closed approach to rebuild your pinched nasal tip, you should not have any real bruising around the nose or eyes. You will probably have a mild amount of swelling around the tip region. Overall, I think the recovery from a closed revision rhinoplasty is significantly less when compared with open techniques. Cartilage grafting sounds like it is indicated in your case, which can increase your recovery since the cartilage needs to be taken from your septum or ear or both. But this should still make for a much smoother recovery when compared with an open rhinoplasty approach. Good luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Revision rhinoplasty for a pinched nose requires meticulous cartilage dissection.  Recovery is relatively quick but depends on whether or not you will need a cartilage graft from the ears.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

The more pinched your nose is the larger and the stronger are the grafts that will be needed to fix it.  You nose will feel stiffer from the grafts for a few months.  Bruising is not common.

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

Recovery from revision rhinoplasty usually takes longer than the first surgery -- especially for the amount of swelling and the length of time that swelling persists.
Revision rhinoplasty, particularly for a pinched tip, is best performed via the open approach. This allows the surgeon to better visualize and correct the deformity.  There are certain circumstances when a closed approach is appropriate and in which excellent results can be acheived.  The decision for which is the right approach depends on the surgeon's preference, skill level, and the patient's nasal characteristics
Any patient who requires revision rhinoplasty should visit with two or more rhinoplasty surgeons who specialize in revision rhinoplasty.

Recovery Process for Pinched Nose Graft?

Answers (8)

Answer: Depends on severity of pinching

Answer: Depends on severity of pinching

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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

Recovery Process for Pinched Nose Graft?

Answers (8)

Answer: Depends on severity of pinching

Answer: Depends on severity of pinching

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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