Why does my nose look wider and flat after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I had closed rhinoplasty in December 2023. Now my nose looks wider and asymmetrical when I smile. I had dorsal hump which I wanted to get rid of. My nose is deprojected to much which was unexpected for me. What is the solution to it? On my 4months post op appointment, my surgeon has mentioned the alar based reduction but I am afraid that it might make my nose worst.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, I believe that your nasal bridge appearance is a bit wide. I also believe that this will continue to improve over the next four to five months. If your nasal wideness is persistent one year after surgery, and if it appears to be in your bridge, repeat osteotomies maybe necessary to provide a narrower nasal appearance. Sometimes the second opinion is helpful. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The final results take at least 1.5 years for the swelling to fully resolve. This can require lots of patience and waiting.  Steroid injections performed by your surgeon can be extremely helpful. I usually start steroid injections around 1 to 2 months after surgery and continue as needed. I recommend that you maintain close follow up with your 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

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It appears you had a thinner width of the bridge in the before photos.  The width of the cartilaginous bridge depends on how the upper lateral cartilages where repaired during the rhinoplasty.  Also, if adequate osteotomies are not performed, the nose can appear to have a wider base after a hump reduction and even an inverted V deformity.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

The nose will continue to change/evolve for months to come, so I would not yet recommend any further surgical intervention. The base does appear to have widened along with the middle third of the nose. Some of the middle third swelling may come down with time. Given your concerns with the overall widening, you may be a candidate for a revision. A revision will likely entail osteotomies to narrow your nose and bring it into a better balance with your facial features and closer to its original width.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

This is something you need to discuss with your provider. 
In order to make a quality assessment we need quality information. 
If you want a second opinion consultation and then scheduled those as in person consultations with other plastic surgeons in your community.
For second opinion consultations, bring a complete set of proper before and after pictures and a copy of your operative report.
Your nose looks better in the after pictures to me. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Why does my nose look wider and flat after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Rhinoplasty Results

Answer: Rhinoplasty Results

Answer: Rhinoplasty outcomes

Answer: Rhinoplasty outcomes

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.

Why does my nose look wider and flat after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Rhinoplasty Results

Answer: Rhinoplasty Results

Answer: Rhinoplasty outcomes

Answer: Rhinoplasty outcomes

Browse related questions

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.