Upturned and More Bulbous Tip After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I am 4 weeks post op from Rhinoplasty to rid my nose of a bump. Now, my tip is turned up. Will this come down?The doctor denies touching the tip but my nose is shorter (less projected) and turned up so all you see are nostrils. Also, the tip is more bulbous than it was pre-op, is this just swelling?

Richard W. Westreich, MD · Answer

The answer to tyour question depends on many factors. Was a septoplasty done? If so, then swelling at the base of the nose from the septal work can cause temporary tip rotation and elevation. Was an open approach used? If so, then tip swelling is normal at 1 month, even if the tip was not worked on. Did the surgeon shorten the septum or cut the muscle that causes the tip to drop down when you smile? If so, then like septoplasty, swelling can cause some of what you describe, but not all of it will likely go away. Finally, some noses with very strong tip cartilages will rotate upwards after profile reduction alone is done.
Hard to say exactly without before and after photos, an operative report, and an examination. However, best to wait and see how things settle down over the next few months. If the surgeon says he or she did not touch the tip, then it probably should turn around soon.
Good luck

John Diaz, MD · Answer

I find that after rhinoplasty, the tip of the nose is often upturned a little and the tip appears more full. In my experience this is always due to swelling and always resolves over the course of several months.
Since you are not my patient, and I have not examined you, I can only speculate on your situation. Since it has been only 4 weeks, it is most likely that you're nose is still very swollen and that these changes you describe will improve once the swelling goes away.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It takes a minimum of 6 months for the swelling to go down. The tip will drop and also be less bulbous with each month.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The tip of your nose will turn down in time due to gravity. In fact you may see the most within the first 6 months, so sit tight for now and enjoy the summer.
Tip swelling takes many months to settle down as well.
I hope this helps, and best regards.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Yes, this is most likely swelling and will very likely resolve.
It is not at all uncommon for the nose to swell and create the appearance of a upturned nose.

Upturned and More Bulbous Tip After Rhinoplasty?

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Answer: A bulbous tip 1 month after rhinoplasty is mostly swelling.

Answer: A bulbous tip 1 month after rhinoplasty is mostly swelling.

Answer: Common for nose to look upturned after rhinoplasty

Answer: Common for nose to look upturned after rhinoplasty

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Upturned and More Bulbous Tip After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: A bulbous tip 1 month after rhinoplasty is mostly swelling.

Answer: A bulbous tip 1 month after rhinoplasty is mostly swelling.

Answer: Common for nose to look upturned after rhinoplasty

Answer: Common for nose to look upturned after rhinoplasty

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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.