Revision rhinoplasty - is it possible to restore my bridge, lift my tip and improve nostril symmetry? (Photo)

Question

I got a rhinoplasty in 2017 - I'm 28 now. I'm not super happy with how my nose turned out. My bump was removed but WAY TOO MUCH was taken off the bridge, and my nose looks very depressed. I get filler put in to raise that section of my bridge. Nothing was done to the tip of my nose. The only thing that was done is the bump removal. I would like: bridge restoration, less wide nose/alars, scar removal, nostril symmetry, subtly lifted tip and smaller/more defined tip. Is this possible? Cost?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @beautyquest94, thank you for your question. When planning a surgical procedure, it is important to consult with the patient and take into account his or her expectations as well as the specialties of the surgeon. It is always possible to make improvements. That said, I would consider correcting the projection of the tip, the dorsum, and the nasal base using a closed technique. In this procedure, the scar is applied to the inside of the nose, so it is not visible. The purpose of this surgery is both functional and aesthetic. As for costs, they can vary according to the surgical plan developed by each specialist. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question and photos. It is possible to make the aesthetic changes you mentioned with a rhinoplasty revision. The bridge can be restored, the tip lifted and defined, and the nostrils narrowed to produce a feminine, natural-looking result that complements your other facial features. The cost of this procedure varies greatly, depending on the surgeon’s location and the steps necessary to achieve your desired result.

When considering a revision, it’s important to note that each subsequent nose surgery becomes more complex due to loss of structural support, scar tissue, and other factors. The importance of experience, expertise, and artistry cannot be overstated. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, with expertise in rhinoplasty techniques. They will be able to review your surgical history, discuss your concerns with you, and help you decide on the best course of action.

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Although an exam in person is ideal, from your photographs alone it appears that you can benefit from a subtle tip refinement with creation of a tip-defining point. 
 In terms of the indentation on your nose, I cannot see this in your photos, especially if you have placed filler in that area as you stated.  However, I normally reconstruct indentations as you described with soft tissue grafting.  In terms of your nsotrils/ala, they do not appear widened to me.  Further tip refinement may also be performed where the nasal tip cartilage is modified. Due to your prior rhinoplasty, the cartilage in your septum was likely harvested and so you will likely require MTF (cadaver) cartilage.  The modification of your nasal cartilage can be done with trimming, stitching or grafting.  If your septum is deviated and you have breathing difficulty, a septoplasty may benefit you as well.  The next step for you is to find the right aesthetic plastic surgeon.  In your rhinoplasty consultation, be sure your surgeon addresses all your aesthetic goals and concerns specifically, and discusses the surgery details including the position and size of the incisions used (with actual photographs and not just digital animations), the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course.  Also, be sure to see plenty of before-and-after pictures in women who have a similar nose appearance to yours, and preferably at different time frames (3 weeks out, 3 months out, etc) to more accurately predict your own surgical outcome.

After seeking out a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery, I think the most important component of the consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon.  It’s the connection that allows you to clearly define your desired nose outcome goals, the first step of this whole process. If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.

For more information on rhinoplasty, please refer to my link below.

Good luck.

Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Revision rhinoplasty - is it possible to restore my bridge, lift my tip and improve nostril symmetry? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Revision rhinoplasty - is it possible to restore my bridge, lift my tip and improve nostril symmetry? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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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.