Can Septoplasty Make Bridge Appear Stronger, Taller and Straighter?

Question

i had a rhino-septoplasty about a month and a half ago and i hate how the bridge of my nose looks. i didn't ask for a taller, stronger bridge.what i wanted was the septoplasty done so i could breathe easier and a small bump removed from the tip and he suggested taking the tip in a little, which i now regret.i used to have a nice slight sloping on my nose before this rhinoplasty and now its so tall and high i look so different. could this be swelling? and is there a way to take the tip back out?

Christopher Kolstad, MD · Answer

Hello,

Swelling and other soft tissue changes along the tip of the nose take time to evolve after rhinoplasty.  The skin is a little thicker in this area and months are required for it to shrink-wrap to the underlying framework.  The skin over the bridge of the nose is very thin and reveals changes much earlier.
	  I typically explain to my patients that it takes a full year for all of the swelling to be completely absorbed from the nasal skin.  I would not consider a revision procedure for at least six months because the soft tissue is still changing.

You have several concerns about your procedure and I would recommend meeting with your surgeon to discuss them.  The bridge of the nose can appear wider after a septorhinoplasty if spreader grafts were placed.  Spreader grafts are a great tool to improve nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing.  Since you had trouble breathing through your nose before surgery, spreader grafts might have been used.  However, only your surgeon would know.  This is another reason why meeting with your surgeon would be a good idea.

Hope this helps

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Hi springflowers,

	Typically, septoplasty does not alter the appearance of the nose. Septoplasty removes cartilage and bone inside the nose the open the breathing passages. Septoplasty help improve congestion due to a deviated septum. Septoplasty is commonly combined with rhinoplasty to both improve breathing and appearance of the nose. Your rhinoplasty procedure altered the bridge. Swelling generally takes a long time to resolve after nasal surgery, and a couple months is still very early after surgery. Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a specialist help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It certainly possible that the dorsum is still swollen.  Did your surgeon put grafts on your dorsum?  Was it just a septoplasty?  It should not in and of itself elevate the dorsum.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

You will need a revision rhinoplasty, not just a septoplasty to make the changes you describe. However, it is not important what we call the procedure. All members of this panel could provide better descriptions and recommendations about revision techniques if you provide pictures of your nose. But wait another 6 months - you're only 6 weeks post-op.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

No, Septoplasty removes cartilage/bone septal deviations blocking the nasal airway.  The height and shape of the nasal bridge must be a result of direct manipulation of the external nasal cartilage and bone during a Rhinoplasty.  be sure your Rhinoplasty Surgeon understands and follows the proper aesthetics of facial beauty.

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Can Septoplasty Make Bridge Appear Stronger, Taller and Straighter?

Answers (7)

Answer: Septoplasty to Change Nasal Bridge

Answer: Septoplasty to Change Nasal Bridge

Answer: Can Septoplasty Make Bridge Appear Stronger, Taller and Straighter?

Answer: Can Septoplasty Make Bridge Appear Stronger, Taller and Straighter?

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