Does my nose seem too upturned after rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Question

I had a Rihnoplasty 2 weeks ago and I feel like my tip is too upturned. I understand that it's too early to tell but I'm afraid my nose might stay this way. I am having a lot of emotions and barely want to leave the house and have people I know see me. I just want some answers I feel like I have a piggy nose and I remember mentioning my surgeon that it was something that I did not want at all. My nose was very ethnic and kind of long so to see my nose look like this now is a huge shock.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It's still too soon to tell what your final results will be. You need to have patience with your body as it begins to heal. The skin, bone and cartilage are all traumatized during surgery. Inflammation (swelling) is the normal response and will help your nose to heal and look beautiful in the end. If, one year from now, you are unhappy with your nose, then that is the time to think about a revision procedure. Right now, concentrate on other things you like to do and let your nose and under eyes take the time to heal. I hope this helps.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you remain patient and follow the recovery instructions provided by your board certified facial plastic surgeon. You are in the early stages of healing and will experience an improved result as your swelling subsides and your positive changes are recognizable.
Best wishes,

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still early in your recovery period and the nose is expected to be quite swollen at this point.The majority of the swelling will resolve in 3-6 months, and will continue to resolve as your nose heals for up to 1-2 years. You have not reached your final shape as the nose will continue to heal and reduce in size for up to a year. Once it does reach its final shape you may be more pleased with the appearance of your nose.

Eric T. Waterman, MD, FACS · Answer

Your result looks fine. Though slightly upturned, I would not say this result is too upturned, and certainly is not “piggy”. Considering the results are only 2 weeks out from your surgery, I would advise you not to worry. Your swelling will continue to reduce during the next 6-12 months before your final results are truly apparent. While your swelling is reducing, you may find that the tip relaxes somewhat, and may not look as full or upturned as it did immediately after surgery. This result already looks good and I doubt you will want to even consider revision down the road, but if you are still less than pleased with the look of your tip after a year, you could pursue that route at that time.

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

Typically, the initial swelling after nose surgery subsides within two to three weeks.  However, residual swelling, especially in the tip of the nose, can take about a year to resolve as the contour refines. Swelling can also vary through the day, being more prominent in the morning. It is still too early in the healing process to know the final results from your surgery. Try and be patient as your nose will continue to heal. Best of luck to you!

Does my nose seem too upturned after rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Answers (5)