Can I reverse an Asian Rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

June 2017 I received an asian rhinoplasty using DCF to augment the bridge and a rib graft to project/lengthen the tip. The appearance I like but hate how firm it is and am always uncomfortable from the decreased mobility of my upper lip due to the added stiffness and length. I just miss the way my old nose looked and felt. My surgeon told me to wait until the 2 year mark to do anything about it because it would be easier to reverse then, but I don't know if I believe that. Can this be undone?

Terence Goh, MBBS, MRCS(Ed), FAMS (Plast Surg) · Answer

Dear elle_eunji,
Thank you for your question. This is a common problem - stiffness of the nasal tip after rhinoplasty, especially so if rib grafts were used to project the nasal tip. You look like you have a good result with the augmentation of the nasal dorsum using DCF and the tip projection looks great too. However I understand your concerns with the stiff nasal tip. It does take time for the swelling to resolve after a rhinoplasty and your results will improve with time. However, that refers to the soft tissue envelope and the structural framework will likely remain unchanged. I have seen several patients who come in for a revision because they miss the softness of the nasal tip. Using a combination of suture techniques and cartilage graft, the nasal tip can be revised to be softer and also more natural. I hope this answer your questions.
Best Regards and have a nice day!
Dr. Terence Goh
MBBS (S'pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (S'pore)Fellow, Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery)President, Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons (SAPS)International Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Christopher Chui, MBBS, MRCS Ed, MMed · Answer

Thanks for your question.
While it is very possible to reverse the changes made to your nose, it doesn't sound like it's a good idea to do it now.
You have achieved the look you want, which is one of the most important things we try to achieve as surgeons. There's always some compromise. In your case you just don't like how stiff it is. If that is really the only thing you don't like, then you should give it some time. Scar tissue will continue to mature over 1-2 years. You will find your nose getting less stiff as time passes.
My advice to you is to be patient.

David Kahng, MD · Answer

hi,
based on your picture, your nose appears to be natural but the feel maybe firm due to use of ribs.  usually if you used rib for your tip, it will stay firm due to the rib and also scar tissue.  usually scars take 1 year to mature but with time scars can get softer.  for any revision nose surgery, you should wait at least 1 year if there is no gross deformity.  if you decide to remove every thing, it may loose its shape and look worse.  hope this helps.

Can I reverse an Asian Rhinoplasty? (Photo)

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Can I reverse an Asian Rhinoplasty? (Photo)

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