6.5 months since rhinoplasty. Nose looks bigger than before and looks like I have supratip fullness

Question

Is this supra tip fullness or is it swelling? Doctor said I have thick skin and will take a year but it looks like I have a bump on my supratip. Please tell me this is just swelling. Also my nose looks so big in pictures, bigger than my pre nose job. I'm just really insecure

Paul K. Holden, MD · Answer

It can be a difficult journey waiting to see your desired results and worrying that they won't turn out the way you had hoped.  It is best to talk to your surgeon and let him/her guide you through your recovery.  In the photo, it does appear the supratip area is moderately swollen (or full).  As others have suggested, this can sometimes be improved with a low dose steroid injection.  It really depends on the cause.  For example, if there is septum holding that area up, steroids will not improve the contour.  Steroids are most effective for managing scar and inflammation caused by surgery.If it's indicated, you can get the steroid injection any time.  This can only be determined by an in person examination.  On the other hand, any decision about additional surgery is best made after a full 12 months.  Your nose is still changing, so doing anything too early would not give you a predictable result.Remember that no harm will come to you for waiting.  The greatest risk in this situation is impatience.  I wish you all the best!

George Volpe, MD · Answer

It can take up to a year for a nose to settle down following rhinoplasty. This is especially true if there is a significant change and reduction in the size of the nose.It is always wise to give it some time. However, if one has thick skin, a very well-defined nose is sometimes impossible. Very thin skin when draped over the underlying cartilage and bone tends to give a more defined look. Fullness in the supra tip can reflect swelling, thick skin, residual septum in this region or residual lower cartilage. A good exam is necessary to determine this

Kailash Narasimhan, MD · Answer

Dear jackiekoi,Thank you for the question, I tell patients not to rush to judgement for a year after surgery, in general.  If your skin is thick it will take longer for healing and swelling to go down.  Part of my pre exam appointment is telling the patient to be patient with the results.   The supra and infratip regions are very prone to postop swelling.  Please also consult with your surgeon as only he or she will know exactly what was done and what your particular recovery should be like. Thank you and good luck!Sincerely,Dr Narasimhan

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Your supratip break is too high; this can be lowered with either steroid injections if the fullness is scar tissue, or a small shave of your anterior dorsal septum if it is cartilaginous. An examination will easily differentiate between these two causes of your supratip fullness. Please make a consultation if you would like to know definitively what you have.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the photo and question but an examination is really needed plus you are still healing.  If at a year you are still dissatisfied see some experts in your area.Dr. Corbin

6.5 months since rhinoplasty. Nose looks bigger than before and looks like I have supratip fullness

Answers (6)

Answer: Supra tip break too high

Answer: Supra tip break too high

Answer: Supertip

Answer: Supertip

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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6.5 months since rhinoplasty. Nose looks bigger than before and looks like I have supratip fullness

Answers (6)

Answer: Supra tip break too high

Answer: Supra tip break too high

Answer: Supertip

Answer: Supertip

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.