Revision rhinoplasty looks terrible. Do I really need to wait until it’s been a year to have it fixed? (Photo)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty 3 yrs ago and my nose was shortened too much. Went for a revision and the doctor put in rib cartilage to lengthen it but the result is now too long and big for my face. My nostrils retract when I smile and the graft on the tip points down giving me a witchy look. The tip has no definition and he also built up the bridge too much which we never discussed. It’s a well-constructed nose but does not fit my face at all. Is this fixable? And do I need to wait until it’s been a yr

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

I agree that, to my eye at least, your tip could be elevated from it's current position. Quite a bit, actually. You didn't post a true profile, but the three-quarter views do also indicate that the bridge should be lowered. And even the frontal view seems to show the contours of the graft.
We usually say to wait about a year between operations, because the scar tissue that forms to heal from any operation, anywhere on the body, needs time to soften, so it doesn't prevent us from attempting the changes we want to make. That year can be cheated by a bit, but not hugely.
Also, my personal prejudice is that if a surgeon misses your goal by this much, he might not have the vision to perform the revision and get it accurate in a second try. How *much* to elevate the tip, or lower the 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.)

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Nasal lengthening surgery with cartilage grafting tends to come with significant swelling, so you are not looking at your final result. As a general rule, One does need to wait for all nasal swelling to dissipate before considering a tertiary revision rhinoplasty surgery. Please consider re-asking your question with before and after photos so the experts can see how your nose has changed. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.From the photos you shared your nose looks too big for your face. Your tip is droopy and the nasal bridge is too wide. We can proceed for a revision but we recommend to wait at least 6 months and get a face-to-face consultation. Sometimes on the 6th month post-op it is possible to perform a revision, but it all depends on your case.
Best regards!Prof. Dr. Selcuk Inanli

Revision rhinoplasty looks terrible. Do I really need to wait until it’s been a year to have it fixed? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Revision rhinoplasty looks terrible. Do I really need to wait until it’s been a year to have it fixed? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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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.