4 months post rhinoplasty, can curve and narrow bridge be corrected so that I achieve a more balanced look? (photos)

Question

Hi everyone, I’m 4 months post primary rhinoplasty but I went from a larger nose to my bridge being narrowed almost all the way down or oblique in shape - which was not wanted or discussed. Also is it just me or does it seem to have a curve now? Is this fixable? Please help, I have a longer face so I don’t feel this nose shape balances my features.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Actually, from these photos (and yes, the nose will change in the upcoming months), the bridge looks pretty good. Perhaps what you are noticing is that the tip is still very strong in its forward projection away from your face. If you picture (or morph) the tip being closer to your face, and perhaps a teeny bit more rotated up, then perhaps the tip's new position would match the bridge better, and you might like that a lot. Usually the forward projection after surgery is set by four months -- usually it's the width that changes from the point -- but a revision must wait out most of the rest of the first 12 months after your operation, so there's time to see what happens.
How *much* to elevate the tip, or deproject the nose, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)
If you do decide that a revision would help, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose might need require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. For most noses, it's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And for those who have had previous surgery, it also discusses how to tell whether your first surgeon should be performing your revision. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Your nose will continue to change as it heals for 1-2 years (and sometimes even longer).  Unless there is something clearly amiss from your initial surgery, 4 months is a little premature to jump into a revision surgery.  Follow up with your surgeon, discuss your concerns with her/him, and give your nose time to reach its final appearance. @drdonyoo

4 months post rhinoplasty, can curve and narrow bridge be corrected so that I achieve a more balanced look? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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4 months post rhinoplasty, can curve and narrow bridge be corrected so that I achieve a more balanced look? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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