Nose Tip Too High After Rhinoplasty

Absolutely. The cast and nasal tapes are applied so as to elevate your tip during the early post operative period. They provide early support to your nose to ensure a good result. Once they are removed you will see an imediate descent of your tip to the position your surgeon intended.
 

Hi christinall2 in Brooklyn,

As other rhinoplasty specialists have stated, 3 days is too early to make any long-term judgments. Swelling, cast, and tape are among many factors that contribute to the early appearance of the nose. The nose settles over time and final results are not appreciated until a year after surgery. The tip will naturally fall back a bit. Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon regarding any concerns you may have. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki

The tip should look like it's too high up while the splint is still on. It will drop after the splint is removed. Be patient. Rhinoplasties take a long time to settle in to the appearance that will be permanent. You should look fine after the removal of the cast.

Andrew C. Campbell, M.D.

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

This is very common and most often intentional because the tip does drop a small amount during the healing process. Patience and time are your best allies.

It is typical when swelling (or the cast!) is present that the tip of the nose looks too high.  These likely drop over time.

Hopefully your surgeon was conservative with raising the tiip of the nose.

It is not a bad idea if you are having anxiety to discuss these concerns with your surgeon.

A nose is usually placed under some sort of dressing after the rhinoplasty is complete.  The type of dressing varies by surgeon, but most will gently lift the tip slightly during this process.  This allows for the nose to settle over time into the proper position.  At three days, it would be almost expected to see the nose in a higher position than the long term result.  Be patient.

This is normal and after the cast is off and the tip heals (6-12 months) it should be fine. Be patient and don't worry.

Hi Chris,

Whoa!  It is way to early to judge your nose, the nasal tip will fall from where it is 3 days after rhinoplasty.  Be patient and all should be well.

Dr. P

I agree with the other doctors in that it is too early to be worried about the appearance. In a routine rhinoplasty all of the following tend to raise a tip for the first few weeks, and some even longer.


Taping of the nose as well as the cast, which tend to pull the nasal tip upwards

Swelling of the nostrils due to the surgery itself

Swelling at the base of the nose due to septoplasty incision or access incisions

Swelling due to grafts used in raising a tip

Swelling from cutting of the depressor septi muscle

Swelling in the upper lip itself


So, don't despair. I usually tell my patients they will look a little elfish while the tape and cast is on. It usually starts to drop during the first post operative visit, when they are removed and it typically drops a lot in the first 2 weeks.

 

All the best

Christina

Before and after photographs of your nose would be helpful for more specific advice.  That being said, 3 days after rhinoplasty is way too early to judge.  Most patients who think their nose is too high right after surgery, just love it once the cast and splints are removed and everything settles in time.