6 weeks after rhinoplasty my nose is piggy?

Question

I had an open rhinoplasty 6 weeks ago, the sides of my nose were cut because i had wide nostrils, i didn't ask for an upturned tip but i ended up with a pigy look and a nose that doesn't match my features, I'm so depressed, i really need advice, will i need a revision

Christopher Kolstad, MD · Answer

It is very common to have swelling and inflammatory changes creating nostril asymmetry a few weeks after surgery.  The nostril contours typically mature in about 6-12 months after rhinoplasty.  If you have concerns with your recovery I would recommend speaking with your surgeon.

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello!At 6 weeks post op it is normal to have swelling especially at the tip of the nose. The swelling at the tip is what is making it look upturned.  It truly takes 1 full year for the entire dorsum (profile) and sidewalls of the nose to fully heal and for all the swelling to dissipate. Rhinoplasty healing is a tedious process because it is one of the only surgeries where we are not removing excess skin. It takes 3 years for the tip to fully heal (only if significant tip work is performed). The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it is the thickest skin of the nose. The skin over the profile is thinner than the skin over the tip. Patience is required during this healing phase. I think over all you have a very nice result. I would advice to continue talking to your doctor about your concern.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

It appears from your photos that there is still some swelling at the nasal tip which may contribute to the upturned appearance.  Without pre operative photos to compare it is difficult to say how much your nose may have been rotated.  I tell patients that it may take 12 months for complete resolution of swelling after rhinoplasty but you should have a good idea of the resulting shape by 3 months after surgery.  If you still have concerns I would discuss with your operating surgeon, if the tip has been rotated anatomically and you don't like the look a revision will likely be required.

Israel Manon, MD · Answer

Hello
For now it is too soon to see how your final result will look like. You are still in the healing process, so I recommend to be patient and follow all instructions given by your surgeon. If you're still worried don't hesitate to consult your doctor and let him/her knows that this is concerning you. Best wishes.
Dr. Israel Mañon
Certified Plastic Surgeon

6 weeks after rhinoplasty my nose is piggy?

Answers (4)