What surgical techniques cause the tip to drop/soften over the healing period?

Question

I have a rhinoplasty scheduled later this year, and my surgeon explained to me that his immediate post op pictures look a lot more exaggerated than what the nose will look like when it heals fully. The tip looks a bit high and pointy. What technique causes this anticipated drop/softening, and is it a recommended technique?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It usually takes good year for result of rhinoplasty to settle and mature. This particularly applies for tip swelling and, to a certain degree, position (over-rotated tip after surgery may soften and drop in this period). It is in your best interest to ask your surgeon these questions, since he is the one who knows your situation and plan of treatment best. Good luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

That's absolutely correct. Initially the tip may appear short due to swelling. Over time the tip will drop back down to varying degrees depending on what was done during surgery. There are simple techniques to intentionally shorten the nose if needed.

Yadro Ducic, MD · Answer

Hi kawaiilover, 
Thank you for your question! The tip should not drop if support is built in properly and all heals well.Multiple techniques will give you the same reliable results, with open being the most reliable.
- Yadro Ducic, MD

Nilay Shah, MD · Answer

It typically takes about a year for a rhinoplasty outcome to settle. Initially due to swelling the tip may appear short and over time it will drop down to variable degrees depending on how the surgery was performed.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Dropping of the nasal tip postop:Early after rhinoplasty such as when the cast is first removed the tip may appear high and pointy. there are multiple changes that can occur which make the tip drop and appear softer or more blunt. These changes include resolution of swelling, the buildup of scar tissue, and the lack of affect of the tape and cast. These changes occur after all rhinoplasty‘s regardless of the particular technique involved, whether open or closed.

What surgical techniques cause the tip to drop/soften over the healing period?

Answers (6)

Answer: It typically takes about a year for a rhinoplasty outcome to settle

Answer: It typically takes about a year for a rhinoplasty outcome to settle

Answer: Dropping of the nasal tip postop:

Answer: Dropping of the nasal tip postop:

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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

What surgical techniques cause the tip to drop/soften over the healing period?

Answers (6)

Answer: It typically takes about a year for a rhinoplasty outcome to settle

Answer: It typically takes about a year for a rhinoplasty outcome to settle

Answer: Dropping of the nasal tip postop:

Answer: Dropping of the nasal tip postop:

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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