10 Months Post Rhinoplasty and still a shapeless tip (Phtoo)

Question

I had Primary Rhinoplasty 10 months ago. I had lateral osteotomies and the tip projection reduced. The tip still looks bulbous and it looks convex at the infratip break rather than concave. It looks like it was a long way to go before it's the defined tip you'd expect. My surgeon says to wait but I feel like he's just trying to get rid of me. What do you think and what would you do if I were your patient? Thank you

Behrad Elmiyeh, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (ORL HNS) · Answer

Many Thanks for your questions and for sharing your photographs.
Based on your photographs, it seems that you had an open (external rhinoplasty) which tends to provide a better exposure during surgery. The swelling at the tip of the nose after such surgery is the last to settle and can take 12 to 18 months. Of course, none can tell by how much. This is partly based on your body's healing ability. Those with a thicker nasal skin tend to achieve a lesser skin shrink wrap than patients with a thinner nasal skin.
Any revision surgery carries significantly greater risks, and it is best to remain patient until after this period. I appreciate that it is easier said than done but only then you will be able to pass a final judgement regarding the swelling and weight risks vs benefit of any further surgery.
Best wishes,

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Will your tip improve with time? Nasal tips take a long time to recover after surgery. Depending on a number of factors such as the thickness of the skin, the thickness and strength of the underlying Cartlidge, and the type of rhinoplasty that was performed, some swelling and scar tissue remains in the tip and supratip area for as long as two years postoperatively. At 10 months there is still room for improvement. In some cases some surgeons will inject a tiny amount of Cortizone to the tip and or supratip area at this point too quicken the resolution of scar tissue and the shrinkage of the skin overlying the Cartlidge to produce a more defined chip. You should discuss this with your surgeon.

Ayhan Isik Erdal, MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS · Answer

As a surgeon performing lots of rhinoplasty, i recommend you to wait until 18-month post-op. There is always some degree of residual swelling in first 18 months. After waiting 18-month post-op if you would not be satisfied with result, there would be two ways: Secondary Rhinoplasty or Accutane treatment for skin thinning. You can learn more details about both treatments from your doctor.

10 Months Post Rhinoplasty and still a shapeless tip (Phtoo)

Answers (3)

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