Is This My Final Result 8 Weeks Post-Op?

Question

hi i had rhinoplasty done 8weeks ago ,and i HATE what the surgeon has done to me. the nose is not straight one nostril is obviously bigger and higher and different size to the other and the nose is too upturned which makes it look piggy like and the nostrils show too much. my surgeon keeps saying its swelling but i dont believe him i think he messed up

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Although it is possible that your dissatisfaction may not improve, the result you currently have will change over he course of 1 year. I would advise that you wait it out, because changes (hopefully for the better) are inevitable at this point.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Dear hotchocolatetamThanks for the question. 8 weeks is too early to make a comment about the result. a couple more months you have to wait for an approximate the result. I wish you all the best.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question!

It is understandable that you are
concerned. Changes after rhinoplasties vary with
every patient and what you are experiencing is not uncommon especially that swelling
takes time to subside as it masks the results of your surgery.

It is important to keep in mind that it
is early to pass a judgment. Usually, a year is required before formulating how
your nose will be, but longer with a thick skin. Even then, your nose will keep
shaping itself to complement your face for better results in the years to come.

My best recommendation at the moment is
to be patient, allow nature to take its course and edema subsides for better
results. There is no doubt that once the swelling resolves, more definition and
shape will be achieved and you should be happier with the results.

Also, it is important that you keep
communicating with your surgeon and work as a team together to achieve the best
results possible.Should you remain unsatisfied with the end results once the healing process is almost completed, a revision rhinoplasty can be a great solution for the right candidates.Please keep
in mind that following the advice from a surgeon online who offers to tell you
what to do without a physical examination covering the nature and the status of
the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and
discussing the pros and cons of each operative solution would not be in your
best interest. With that in mind, it is the safest and for your best interest
to find a plastic surgeon with solid experience and certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery who is ideally a member of the American Society of
Plastic Surgeons that you will trust and be comfortable with. You should discuss
your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Congratulations on your surgery and remain positive!

Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

At 8 weeks out, you are relatively close to the result of your initial procedure. The swelling will continue to improve over time and the tip can come down so that may also improve. Disparity to the nostrils might improve over time as well. That being said, you may need a revision to address those areas of concern but that should not take place until at least one year from your original surgery.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

At only 8 weeks it is not 100% final, but is almost there.  If you are very unhappy then after you are finished healing (at least 1 year) you can consider a revision rhinoplasty.

Gary Motykie, MD · Answer

At 8 weeks after a rhinoplasty you still have a lot of healing time until the final shape of your nose is revealed. It is not unusual for patients to dislike their noses for the first few weeks after rhinoplasty due to swelling and other features of the nose that will change over time. It also depends if you had a closed or open rhinoplasty because an open approach to rhinoplasty will have a longer healing time than a closed approach. Don’t judge your surgeon or your nose until the nose has healed completely. This may take up to six months after a primary rhinoplasty. The upturned nose generally improves with time. The uneven nostrils may also improve with time and it is not unusual for other asymmetries to appear and disappear throughout the healing process. Hang in there.

Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD, FACS · Answer

I would give your nose a little time to heal.  You won't see the final results until 3 or 4 months after surgery.  I would definitely keep in close contact with your surgeon so he or she can support and guide you through the recovery period.  If 4 months passes and you are still unhappy you could consider revision rhinoplasty to fix some of the problems you describe.  Hang in there!

Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.

Kun Z. Kim, MD · Answer

At 2 months post op, I will say that you probably have 98% of the result you are going to have.  Swelling is there some at this point and this will gradually go away over next 12 months but basically, what you have at this point is 98% of what you are going to have 1 or 10 years later.

	Revision rhinoplasty, if contemplated, should be performed 1 - 2 years later when complete healing has taken place.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

No, the final result after a Rhinoplasty won't be visible for at least 4-6 months, longer if the Rhinoplasty broke bones and used grafts of some kind. Photos would help and if you don't like the way the nose looks at 4-5 months go back to your Rhinoplasty surgeon and have that discussion. Failing that, you can have a few consults with experienced Rhinoplasty surgeons about your options moving forward.

Is This My Final Result 8 Weeks Post-Op?

Answers (9)