I recently had open rhinoplasty and am now one week post-op. I realize that the end result is forever away, however, I am a little concerned about the convex shape of my right nostril. I want to know: (1) if this is normal, (2) will this fall away or fade, (3) are there possibly stitches there that are making it keep this shape or something else that could be causing that? I am hesitant to ask my doctor simply because it's his "art" and I can't help but think that his answer would be slightly biased (therefore not succeed at putting me at ease) :) Thank you all so much in advance for volunteering your time to do this -- it means a lot!!
Answer: Judging Early Rhinoplasty Results
Kacee, I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon - the current one and any future ones that might arise. The surgeon who performed the rhinoplasty knows precisely what was done and could easily explain to you what is going on with your right nostril rim. In some cases it could be elevated more on the one side due to unwanted scabbing around internal sutures.
If this were the case, the nostril rim should settle down with better wound care and simply time. There are other possible explanations but, again, your surgeon is the best resource at this time. The bottom line is that it is very premature to judge your results at one week out following rhinoplasty. Happy healing.
Helpful 7 people found this helpful
Answer: Judging Early Rhinoplasty Results
Kacee, I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon - the current one and any future ones that might arise. The surgeon who performed the rhinoplasty knows precisely what was done and could easily explain to you what is going on with your right nostril rim. In some cases it could be elevated more on the one side due to unwanted scabbing around internal sutures.
If this were the case, the nostril rim should settle down with better wound care and simply time. There are other possible explanations but, again, your surgeon is the best resource at this time. The bottom line is that it is very premature to judge your results at one week out following rhinoplasty. Happy healing.
Helpful 7 people found this helpful
Answer: Don't worry... Just ask! Make an appointment with your surgeon. It’s not unusual for rhinoplasty patients to have asymmetry in the immediate post-operative period. In the vast majority of patients, this asymmetry resolves with the passage of time.Rarely, structural phenomena may contribute to nasal asymmetry.Possible causes include slipped cartilage grafts, distortion from internal and external splints, and sutures that have caused distortion or have separated prematurely.Your pictures suggest nostril asymmetry secondary to elevation of the right alar rim.Without performing a physical examination it’s impossible to determine the specific cause of this particular problem.For this reason it’s important to consult your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon understands exactly what was done at the time of your procedure and can tell if this is an expected or unexpected finding.Whether it requires intervention or should be left alone.Hopefully this consultation will address your concerns and alleviate your anxiety.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
Answer: Don't worry... Just ask! Make an appointment with your surgeon. It’s not unusual for rhinoplasty patients to have asymmetry in the immediate post-operative period. In the vast majority of patients, this asymmetry resolves with the passage of time.Rarely, structural phenomena may contribute to nasal asymmetry.Possible causes include slipped cartilage grafts, distortion from internal and external splints, and sutures that have caused distortion or have separated prematurely.Your pictures suggest nostril asymmetry secondary to elevation of the right alar rim.Without performing a physical examination it’s impossible to determine the specific cause of this particular problem.For this reason it’s important to consult your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon understands exactly what was done at the time of your procedure and can tell if this is an expected or unexpected finding.Whether it requires intervention or should be left alone.Hopefully this consultation will address your concerns and alleviate your anxiety.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
February 8, 2015
Answer: Too early to tell In general, swelling after rhinoplasty takes months and months to fully resolve. You'll notice your nose is swollen at the moment and its shape will gradually improve as you progress in your recovery.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
February 8, 2015
Answer: Too early to tell In general, swelling after rhinoplasty takes months and months to fully resolve. You'll notice your nose is swollen at the moment and its shape will gradually improve as you progress in your recovery.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
June 29, 2011
Answer: Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty
It is normal to have some asymmetry of the nasal tip and nostrils after rhinoplasty. Some may experience unevenness and asymmetric swelling from the procedure itself. The patient needs to know this pre-operatively. This is especially true in secondary rhinoplasty. This may take up to 12-15 months to correct itself. The key element is that it must be symmetrical intra operatively which only your surgeon can tell the patient as this is very reassuring.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
June 29, 2011
Answer: Uneven Nostrils After Rhinoplasty
It is normal to have some asymmetry of the nasal tip and nostrils after rhinoplasty. Some may experience unevenness and asymmetric swelling from the procedure itself. The patient needs to know this pre-operatively. This is especially true in secondary rhinoplasty. This may take up to 12-15 months to correct itself. The key element is that it must be symmetrical intra operatively which only your surgeon can tell the patient as this is very reassuring.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
October 2, 2020
Answer: Rhinoplasty and Uneven Nostrils Kacee One week after open rhinoplasty is too early to judge your results. There is still significant swelling, scar tissue is forming, mucosal sutures can pull one alar rim higher than the other and the splints and taping can alter the shape. After 6 to 8 weeks you will have a better idea of any asymmetry and you should discuss that with your surgeon at that time.
Helpful 6 people found this helpful
October 2, 2020
Answer: Rhinoplasty and Uneven Nostrils Kacee One week after open rhinoplasty is too early to judge your results. There is still significant swelling, scar tissue is forming, mucosal sutures can pull one alar rim higher than the other and the splints and taping can alter the shape. After 6 to 8 weeks you will have a better idea of any asymmetry and you should discuss that with your surgeon at that time.
Helpful 6 people found this helpful