15 years post rhinoplasty & unhappy with droopy tip, recommendations? (Photos)

Question

...possibly because of hanging columella? I had my depressor septi cut because pre op I actually had a droopy tip when smiling. But for years and years it’s bothered me that my nose feels bulbous and my nostrils pull upward when I smile. Would I be a candidate for revision? I was happy with the result shortly post op but when I compare those pictures to not long after, my tip definition almost faded and the columella looked more droopy. I hate how my nose turns white when I smile, it looks like it pains me to smile.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

As a board certified plastic surgeon who performs many revision rhinoplasties, I hear concerns like yours frequently. The normal ageing process causes the nasal tip to droop. However, I prefer to use cartilage struts in the nasal tip to prevent plunging tips, and these struts function to prevent droopiness even as one ages. It would be irresponsible for me to diagnose you just from the photos, and an in-person examination would be needed to properly assess your situation. Certainly, revision rhinoplasty surgery that reinforces a droopy tip could be a solution. I recommend consulting in person with a board certified plastic surgeon who has decades of experience with revision rhinoplasty surgeries.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

From the photographs presented, there's a hanging columella andit looks like your depressor septi ligament was not released. A revision rhinoplasty can accomplish tucking in the hanging columella and releasing the depressor septi ligament. Thick skin on the tip of the nose is going to prevent refinement in that area, so it's important to have realistic expectations.

15 years post rhinoplasty & unhappy with droopy tip, recommendations? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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

15 years post rhinoplasty & unhappy with droopy tip, recommendations? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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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.