Uneveness on alar crease area after primary septorhinoplasty. Will it improve? (photos)

Question

I’m 45 days after primary septorhinoplasty, open approach. Tip was refined and an alarplasty was done. One side is fuller on the alar crease area and the other has an ident. Doctor said it is “probably” edema as nothing was done on this particular area. Will it even out? Doctor also mentioned having performed LLC cartilage turnover instead of ressection. PS: I actually prefer the fuller side because it looks more natural to me.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still early in your
post-operative recovery period, and swelling during this time is rarely
symmetric.  One side will always resolve more quickly than the other.
 Certainly express your concerns to your surgeon, and follow his/her
treatment recommendations to ensure the best result.

Ernest Robinson, MD · Answer

45 days is too early to determine your final results.  There may be a few things that can be performed.       First, in the fuller area, sometimes dilute steroid injection may improve, although there are also risks.  Risks include changes in skin color and depression at the site of injection.     Second, filler can be injected into the less full side.I would follow up with your surgeon and ask about this.  If a year has passed you may consider a cartilage graft in the area that is not as full, since you like the fuller side.

Uneveness on alar crease area after primary septorhinoplasty. Will it improve? (photos)

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