Can the rib graft in my nose be slightly trim to look more symmetrical? Would that make my lip come up more naturally? (Photo)

Some of the muscles that help elevate the top lip when smiling are temporarily injured in certain types of rhinoplasty surgery. These include the levatore labii superior aleque nasii and levator labii superioris muscle. I would speak to your surgeon about this.

Unfortunately, your small and up close photos are at difficult for evaluation, since they do not appear to show any significant irregularity. Please consider reasking you a question with better photos that demonstrate your concern about your nasal tip. Thank you. Since the only Dr Joseph

Yes, any graft can be trimmed, however that would require surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hi, It is better for you to consult with your facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and give you opinion based on examination.

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a revision rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery could include nasal tip deprojection, tip elevation, and debulking at the inferior aspect of your columella, among other maneuvers. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Adding a rib graft often indicates that there was substantial work needed during your previous procedure prepared.
In order to make an assessment we need quality information.
This means knowing exactly what was done during your previous procedure, including having a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
We also need to know if you’ve had any previousplasty surgery and if so, include before and after pictures for those procedures.
If you don’t have before and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
Were you able to move your upper lip before your surgery?
It’s always possible to do revision surgery.
Whether doing so would be of benefit is another story.
I suggest you follow up with the surgeon who did your last procedure who would better understand your history and what has been done to your nose
Based on Your history we can’t really make a good assessment based on the information provided.
I suggest you rely exclusively in person consultations. For second opinion, consultations come prepared bringing with you a complete set of proper before and after pictures and copies of your previous operative report.
These are part of your medical record that you can request from your current provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD