Is it possible to correct this asymmetry with a revision? Should I? (Photo)

Question

I had surgery 2 years ago. My nose was straight after surgery but over time has progressively curved. My pre surgery nose was also curved in this same way so I’m not sure what happened. Is it really obvious? Can it be corrected in a revision?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

First of all, your nose looks so much wider after the operation. What else was done besides trying to straighten the deflection? Was a bump removed? Was part of the plan to shorten the nose, because the tip looks a bit droopy to me. I ask about that because if we have the opportunity to *elevate* a tip at the same time, it helps quite a bit in correcting frontal asymmetries like yours.

You only posted frontal photos. If you are considering a revision, you should look at everything that maybe still bugs you, from all the angles. Then, the revision can have as its goal to correct or at least address all of those issues, and you're more likely to be happy with the ultimate result.

If you do decide to have other changes, how *much* to elevate the tip, or narrow the tip/bridge, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

Finally, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. It's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

And for those who have had previous surgery, it also discusses how to tell whether your first surgeon should be performing your revision.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Revision rhinoplasty is much more difficult.  make sure to discuss with your surgeon and maybe also get a few more consults from experienced rhinoplasty surgeons.  You may need a rib graft to stabilize your nose.

Is it possible to correct this asymmetry with a revision? Should I? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Is it possible to correct this asymmetry with a revision? Should I? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.