Tip Raised Too High, when Will It Drop After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had an OPEN rhinoplasty about 2 wks ago. My doctor removed a hump, narrowed the bridge, and raised tip. Now I fear my tip is too high. The cast and taping have all been removed from my nose and I still feel like my tip is too high. Will the tip drop as the swelling goes away? Can this be fixed?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It is still too soon to make a judgement. When the swell subsides the tip will drop. Be patient for the next 6 months.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

The tip will settle at about 2-3 months time.  Looking at your photos, your angle does not look over-rotated in my opinion.

	But I usually tell my patients that what you have at about 6 months time is about 90% of what you will be left with.  The next 6 months will maybe change your nose about 5-10%

	Good luck.

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

From the limited picture you've posted, the tip does not look over-rotated or too high. Depending on the surgical techniques used and the degree of swelling post-op, most tips will appear to drop slightly over the first few weeks after rhinoplasty (usually about two weeks) as swelling at the columellar base resolves.

	Good luck,

	--DCP

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

According to the photo, your tip appears appropriate for 2 weeks. you will experience noticable drooping of the tip. By about 2 months, you will have a much better idea of what the long lasting tip position will look like.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

The tip position after rhinoplasty typically drops within about six weeks and that is much more common than staying overly elevated. Sometimes downward taping can help accelerate the situation but I would consult with your surgeon first.

Tip Raised Too High, when Will It Drop After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)