I would appreciate if you could tell me realistically how much longer I need to wait before revision? (Photos)

Question

Revision rhinoplasty- uneven nostrils - Hi, I had rhinoplasty 6 months ago. My nose is fine but nostrils has been noticeably asymmetrical since day one after surgery. They were not uneven before. It's extremely upsetting. I could cry talking about it. I would appreciate if you could tell me realistically how much longer I need to wait before revision. Also, if it's possible to do nostril revision only. If so what would be the estimated cost. Going back to my original surgeon is not possible. Thanks so much Sara

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry you did not see your desired results after your first procedure. Keep in mind that it can take up to one full year for all the swelling to subside after rhinoplasty, which can impact your final outcome. Most surgeons will recommend waiting until the one-year mark to consider revision surgery for that reason. At that time, if you are still dissatisfied with your result, revision rhinoplasty may be an option. Make sure you work with a very experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, since revision rhinoplasty can be even more complex than the first procedure.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi Sara,

I always advise patients to wait 12 months before a secondary procedure.

@drnima_md | Dr. Nima Shemirani Beverly Hills

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry you're going through this. Although an in-person exam would be needed to fully appreciate what's happening, looking at your pictures it appears that the domes are of unequal height. Most surgeons would wait a minimum of 6 months before considering a revision, and many would advocate waiting a full year, but this will vary from surgeon to surgeon and varies depending on the extent of what revision would entail. To revise this, and tip cartilages would need to be repositioned so that they're of equal height, and perhaps additional maneuvers depending on what the surgeon finds. Unfortunately, adjustment to the nostrils only may help but will be solve the issue. Cost will vary depending on individual pricing of the surgeon, but in general, surgeons in higher cost of living areas charge more. I hope this information is helpful!

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

In some cases the lower nostril can be elevated with a minor office procedure and excision of tissue with a well hidden incision, and that can be done sooner than a year.  The other approach which is more definitive is to do a formal revision with realignment if the tip cartilages through an open approach and that needs to wait at least a year.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

There are two ways to correct uneven nostrils. One is to raise the lower one and the other is to lower the high one. You should discuss your goals with your surgeon to determine which is best for you. As for timing, many surgeons wait for a full year of healing since scar tissue softens for up to a year. Also if anything else subtle becomes apparent, it may take a number of months to see. Going back too soon might not allow the chance for other tweaks.

I would appreciate if you could tell me realistically how much longer I need to wait before revision? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Uneven nostrils: how long to wait before revision?

Answer: Uneven nostrils: how long to wait before revision?

Answer: Uneven nostrils can be corrected

Answer: Uneven nostrils can be corrected

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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I would appreciate if you could tell me realistically how much longer I need to wait before revision? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Uneven nostrils: how long to wait before revision?

Answer: Uneven nostrils: how long to wait before revision?

Answer: Uneven nostrils can be corrected

Answer: Uneven nostrils can be corrected

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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.