Will I need revision surgery? My columella looks crooked (Photo)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty 4 months ago to correct my broken nose. I had a large hump on bridge of nose and doctor noted excessive nostril show and would need tip refinement. fast forward to today and my columella looks to have been sewn crooked and is slanted to the right(was not there prior to surgery) and bump still showing on bridge. Doctors office was no help after sending them pictures. What are my options? I know still early on but do not believe time will fix the columella issue.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Gentle39283. Thank you for sharing your photo. You are still early on in your healing process--I recommend waiting 1 year for the nose to fully heal before you consider a revision rhinoplasty.

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. It is too soon to assume you’ve had an unsuccessful rhinoplasty, because it isn't until a full year after the procedure, around 12-14 months (longer for some patients), that results are truly definitive. Your nose is still recovering, and it will still change. Patience is key for now. But after a full year, if you are still unhappy with your results, I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon, particularly one with a strong rhinoplasty portfolio. Keep in mind that revision rhinoplasty is even more complex than primary rhinoplasty. Your surgeon will evaluate your nose, determine your eligibility for revision rhinoplasty, recommend the best approach to address your concerns and goals, and help ensure the best possible outcome.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

You are correct that you are still early on in your healing process, and I would allow the nose at least 12 months to fully heal before you start considering revision surgery. I would also call your surgeon for an in-person appointment, as your surgeon should very much want to help you through the healing process! As a board certified plastic surgeon, I see my patients regularly for their first year post op to insure everything is healing appropriately. They know they can call my office, or email my staff, and we’ll give them an appointment. If at the one-year mark, you are still interested in revision surgery, this should first be discussed with your original surgeon. Please be patient, and definitely reach out to your surgeon for an in-person appointment.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If your only issue is your small nasal base asymmetry, no surgical intervention may be required. If this is related to issues on other facial views, please consider re-asking your question with more photos. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Will I need revision surgery? My columella looks crooked (Photo)

Answers (4)