If your nose is too flat after rhinoplasty, the reason might be that there is too much cartilage or cartilage was removed to flatten your nose. If this is the case, this natural tissue will have been replaced with a smooth plastic-like appearance. To fix this, you would need another surgery to put back cartilage and/or add more natural material. In other words: no more plastic surgery unless you have something to put back in!
In this guide, we review the aspects of Cartilage Sticking Out After Rhinoplasty, does cartilage swell after rhinoplasty, How long does it take for cartilage to heal after rhinoplasty, and Can cartilage shift after rhinoplasty?
One of the most difficult parts of the nose to re-shape is the nasal tip. There are a few reasons for this, including the fact that the tip of the nose is made up of cartilage and skin, with no bones to support it. Asymmetry is easily noticed in the nasal tip, and the amount of projection is very important.
Unfortunately, the nasal tip is an area where many Beverly Hills nose job patients see problems after their surgery, and is a common reason for seeking revision rhinoplasty. Getting a beautiful nasal tip from rhinoplasty is absolutely possible with the right surgeon, but it’s also always possible that complications can occur, however rarely. Here are some of the nasal tip problems patients might want to fix after primary rhinoplasty. The good news? The majority of them can be fixed by an experienced revision surgeon.
The “Pinched” Tip
Often caused by older techniques, the pinched tip is exactly what it sounds like: the tip of the nose is pinched together from the distortion of the nasal tissues. This is a result of too much tissue being removed from the nasal tip. Modern, “open” techniques that use an external incision have made this problem less common, but the deformity does still come up from time to time.
The “Pinocchio” Deformity
More formally known as an over-projected tip, the Pinocchio deformity occurs when the tissues of the nasal tip are overly high and projected in relation to the nasal bridge. This is common in cases where the nasal bridge has been reduced too much (often in response to a dorsal hump), while the tip has not been adjusted, causing the tip to appear over-projected. A sloping bridge can make the problem seem worse.
The “Polly Beak” Deformity
Another descriptive term for a common deformity, the polly beak describes a nose that suffers from a too-high “supratip”, the area of transition between the nasal bridge and the nasal tip. This over-projection of the supratip then creates a beaked appearance with the drooping of the nasal tip. It may be caused by too much leftover cartilage in the area or not enough support for the nasal tip itself.
Over-Rotated Tip
Many patients with an over-rotated nasal tip complain of a “pig nose”. This is caused by over-shortening and rotating of the nose, which pulls the nostrils up and creates a snout-like appearance.
Tip Asymmetry
Naturally, there are two sides to every nasal tip, and asymmetry can occur during or after surgery, which can make the nose appear somewhat lopsided.
Miscellaneous Complaints
Of course, there are other issues that can arise that don’t fit neatly into one of the above categories. In some cases, people have inflated expectations of their nose job results and are concerned with a perceived flaw no one else will notice. For others, the issues are obvious and practically demand a revision surgery. Patients who are unhappy with their nose after surgery should always consult with a reputable plastic surgeon for advice.
Got Tip Issues? You’ll Need to Wait
Unfortunately, seeing the results of rhinoplasty surgery is very much a waiting game. Swelling from the procedure takes time to resolve, and the nasal tip often has the most persistent swelling. Patients need to wait at least 6-12 months following the initial procedure to seek corrective surgery, as it’s not logical to perform surgery on a nose that is still changing, even if the changes are slight.
Avoiding and Fixing Nasal Tip Problems
Avoiding and fixing poor nasal tip contour from a primary rhinoplasty amount to the same process: Finding the right rhinoplasty surgeons. Rhinoplasty surgeons are some of the most specialized plastic surgeons, as the procedure is so complex and demanding. Nasal surgery is not an area to compromise or bargain-hunt, even though the temptation to save on an expensive procedure will be great.
You should always seek help from a reputable, respected, board certified facial plastic surgeon with specific expertise in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. Not sure where to start your search? The best rhinoplasty surgeon in Beverly Hills working with the Lasky Clinic Dr. Andrew Frankel distinguishing himself as a top rhinoplasty specialist in the area, offering beautiful, custom, natural-looking results. If you would like to discuss your needs for revision rhinoplasty with Dr. Frankel, call the Lasky Clinic today at (310.552.2173) to schedule your consultation.
Current thinking on Lower Eyelids
Over the years the approach to rejuvenate the lower eyelids has gone through many changes. Prior to the mid 1980’s the accepted gold standard of treatment was to remove as much fat, skin and “excess” muscle as possible. These techniques were championed by virtually every reputable surgeon at that time and results from such procedures
Cartilage Sticking Out After Rhinoplasty
In the nose, cartilage is actually a little bit more than that. It also serves as a tissue barrier. Cartilage has no blood supply and therefore doesn’t grow, but it doesn’t replace itself either. If there is too much cartilage or if you had cartilage removed (replaced), the nose will look smooth like plastic because there won’t be any visible peaks and valleys.
Section: Why does cartilage stick out after a nose job?
The reason why cartilage can stick out after surgery has many different causes: For example, when you have too many injections, the fat cells that were used to get rid of the extra fat with fill up with blood and become swollen and cause loose skin or droopiness. Also, during your first rhinoplasty treatment, you could have had an allergic reaction to one of the drugs used by your doctor and it caused swelling in your face that leads to letting loose skin. However, we don’t usually see this kind of problem anymore because modern techniques make sure that everything is done safely on every patient before they leave our office. As long as you are well-rested before going under anesthesia (if your doctor hasn’t told you differently), there won’t be any problems with having loose skin or drooping after surgery anymore.
What can you do about it? Fortunately for most patients who experience loose skin after a rhinoplasty procedure, this type of problem can easily be fixed with some patience and care from your doctor. The main thing for achieving great results for softer skin is to give yourself enough time for healing (weeks after surgery) so that all the swelling goes away completely before performing any kind of facial injections or microdermabrasion . This will result in perfect results without leaving any scars behind! With some patience
What is cartilage in your nose?
Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that’s found in your nose, ears and eyes. It’s also used to repair damaged tissue. Cartilage is made up of cells called chondrocytes that produce collagen proteins which give cartilage its strength and flexibility.
Cartilage has no blood supply; instead it gets nutrients from surrounding tissue via diffusion and ingestion by phagocytes (cells that attack pathogens).
Why does cartilage stick out after a nose job?
Remember, cartilage is a tough tissue. It doesn’t get damaged during a rhinoplasty and can be moved back into place by manipulation. The reason why it sticks out is because it was pushed out of place by the force of surgery. If you’re worried about this happening to you, talk to your surgeon about ways they might be able to reduce trauma during surgery or other things they can do beforehand so that it doesn’t happen at all!
What can you do about it?
It is important to talk to your doctor about it. If it’s a small amount, he or she might be able to shave the extra cartilage down. If it’s a large amount and can’t be shaved down, then you may need a revision surgery.
Here’s what to do if you have cartilage sticking out after the surgery.
If you’re experiencing this problem, go back to your doctor. They will be able to examine the area and see what options are available for you.
The severity of the problem will determine which procedure will work best for you. Options include:
- Using a dermal grafting technique where they take skin from another part of your body and use it to cover up the area with cartilage sticking out after rhinoplasty surgery;
- Removing any excess skin that may be covering up some of your nose bridge or tip;
- Using fillers like Radiesse or Juvederm so that the gap between bones becomes smaller (this option is not recommended if there’s still plenty of space between bones);
does cartilage swell after rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a common but complex procedure that heals in stages, within a generally predictable timeline. In our plastic surgery practice serving Beverly Hills and Sacramento, we have done thousands of rhinoplasties. Our decades of experience in this procedure has given us a wealth of knowledge in terms of advising patients about what to expect during the healing process, and the do’s and don’ts of aftercare in order to achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time.
What is rhinoplasty?
Colloquially called a “nose job,” a rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery which restructures and reshapes the nose to bring it into more attractive alignment and proportion with the rest of the face. Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular and sought-after procedures in plastic surgery, and for good reason. As the central feature of the face, an ill-shaped or oversized nose can steal focus from other beautiful features. Modifying the nose to bring it into greater harmony with the rest of the face can have an incredible impact on a person’s appearance and general confidence level.
Rhinoplasty is a term used to describe altering the outer appearance of the nose. This can have both cosmetic and functional consequences. If the outer structure of the nose is stronger, the patient often looks better and breathes better. The nasal septum, which is the central pillar of the nose, can be deviated from trauma or congenital deformity. Simultaneous repair of the nasal septum (nasal septoplasty) is usually performed with cosmetic rhinoplasty. If properly performed, septorhinoplasty can have significant functional and cosmetic benefits.
How much swelling is normal after rhinoplasty?
The amount of swelling you will experience after a rhinoplasty will depend on the extent of the work done to reshape and resize the nose. But in any case, especially in the first couple of weeks following surgery, you should expect a moderate amount of swelling. Keep in mind that the swelling will obscure the new shape of the nose until it goes down, so if at first, your nose appears to look too “fat” or the tip appears to look too lifted, don’t worry — everything will settle into proportion as your nose continues to heal. However, if at any point, you’re concerned that your swelling is excessive, don’t hesitate to call your surgeon’s office just to check. Do keep in mind, though, that swelling may take several days after surgery to reach its maximum, so there is usually no cause for alarm if you are more swollen on day three than you were on day one.
How long does swelling last after rhinoplasty?
While every patient and every procedure is different, most of the swelling will go down within the first month following surgery, and about 90% of all swelling should subside within the first three months. However, the full result is in the last 10% — where the tip and bridge definition is maximized. This may take 12 to 18 months.
Although I discuss this healing timeline with all my patients (and this information is readily available on the internet), the most commonly asked question to me, two or three weeks after a rhinoplasty is, “Am I still swollen?” or “Will my nose continue to get smaller?” The reason for this is human nature. People can intellectualize that their nose should be a little swollen, but they still want the final outcome as soon as possible. This makes them often forget the previous conversations of the healing and swelling timeline.
At the three-to-four month mark, most patients feel their results are complete enough that they feel comfortable and happy posing for things like wedding pictures and senior portraits. It can, however, take up to a year or longer for your nose to settle completely into its new shape and position. Especially around the tip of the nose, more delicate refinements may take longer to appear as swelling goes down and cartilage heals and reforms. And if you are having a revision rhinoplasty, healing may take a bit longer than your initial surgery. Still, most clients are already thrilled with their results at their 4-week follow-up appointment.
Is nose tip swelling normal?
Yes, nose tip swelling is completely normal after rhinoplasty. The reason for this is purely anatomical. The skin and soft tissue of the tip of the nose is thick and subateous, and it is also densely adherent to the underlying cartilaginous infrastructure. This makes the skin on the lower half of the nose take longer to reach its final outcome, post-rhinoplasty, than does the skin on the upper half of the nose. Many patients notice that the swelling around the bridge of the nose improves more quickly than swelling around the nose’s tip, as the tip is often the last part to heal completely. While the vast majority of all swelling should go down after a few weeks, subtle definition at the tip of the nose may take a few more months to fully develop.
Is face swelling normal after rhinoplasty?
Yes. While the nose is obviously the site of the surgery, residual swelling is to be expected in the surrounding areas of the face. You may have bruising and puffiness around your eyes, cheeks, and upper lip in the first couple of weeks after surgery, but most patients find that this resolves fairly quickly, within about the first week, and that they can use cosmetics like concealer to hide any remaining facial bruising if they need to go out in public. About half of patients have no facial bruising at all at 7 days post-op; about 40% have only minimal bruising; and about 10% have moderate bruising. The amount of facial swelling and bruising depends on the complexity of the procedure as well as the individual person — some people simply tend to swell and bruise more easily than others. Regardless, almost all patients can expect any visible signs of facial trauma to have resolved within a few weeks after surgery.
What are the stages of swelling post rhinoplasty?
While most swelling from rhinoplasty goes down within a few weeks, swelling may initially get worse before it gets better, so don’t be alarmed if it is worse on day three or four than it was immediately following surgery. Every patient is different, so recovery times vary, but generally speaking, most patients can expect to look “normal” after about three to four weeks, with a small amount of residual swelling and tenderness lasting about three months — though it is usually only noticeable to the patient themselves.
The thicker the skin is, the longer it takes for the final outcome to be achieved. For this reason, patients who have thick skin preoperatively, that their outcome may take closer to 18 months, rather than 9 to 12 months. Additionally, if a patient is undergoing a revision rhinoplasty procedure, the final results are more likely to take a greater amount of time, versus a primary rhinoplasty. This occurs because the skin soft-tissue envelope is thicker and less compliant in revision rhinoplasty patients.
Swelling of the tip of the nose may last a bit longer for some people, and those who have a more complex procedure involving both internal and external reshaping may experience more swelling for a bit longer. Patients should expect it to take about a year for their nose to settle into its final position, but by the one-month mark, most people are very happy with the initial result, and show no signs that the procedure was ever done. Generally speaking, rhinoplasty is a remarkably well-tolerated surgery that produces dramatic results with relatively little downtime.
How to Help Swelling After Rhinoplasty
Swelling after rhinoplasty can be reduced by keeping the head elevated, which includes while sleeping. Ice packs may also be used to reduce puffiness and discomfort, especially in the first 48 hours after surgery, but should not be used for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and should be wrapped in a clean towel rather than applied directly to skin. While using ice packs, be careful to avoid any sutures and be sure not to move any splints or tapings out of alignment. Swelling can also be reduced by drinking plenty of water and avoiding especially strenuous sports or activities for the first few weeks after surgery. It is okay to be up and active as you feel ready, but take care not to overexert yourself initially. Also, be sure to eat a nutrient-rich diet as you heal. Foods rich in an enzyme called papain, like fresh pineapple or papaya, can help the body eliminate bruises more quickly. Try to avoid salty foods, as they can increase swelling.
Your surgeon may also employ different techniques during and after surgery to help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process, such as the use of platelet rich plasma and steroid injections. You may also be prescribed antibiotic and vitamin-infused topical ointments, or sterile saltwater sprays to keep the nose hydrated.
What are the healing stages of rhinoplasty?
The initial healing stage is about ten days. This is the period when you will need to be most vigilant about aftercare instructions, and plan to take a break from your normal activities to allow everything to heal. After ten days, much of the bruising and swelling will have dissipated, and any lingering effects can be concealed with makeup. After about three weeks, you’ll likely have no readily apparent signs that you ever had surgery, and can resume non-weight-bearing exercise. At three months, almost all swelling has gone down permanently, and the nose looks basically like the final result. It will take a year or two for the nose to totally settle into its new structure, but at three months, the vast majority of rhinoplasty recovery is complete.
What is the healing timeline after rhinoplasty?
Day of Surgery: You will be under general anesthesia while the surgery is performed, and go home the same day, after your care team has cleared you for discharge. You will want to use ice packs to bring down swelling as much as possible, and your surgeon will advise you about where and how to apply them. If you need to apply any topical ointments, your doctor will give you instructions as to how to do that, as well. You may also need to change your nasal drip pad and any packing material inside the nose at intervals prescribed by your doctor, if applicable. The night after surgery, and for as long as swelling persists, it is a good idea to try and sleep upright in a chair to ensure that your head stays elevated.
1 Week After Rhinoplasty: If you have any staples or non-dissolvable sutures, these will be removed, as will any splints or protective coverings. At this point, you may still experience some swelling, but any difficulty breathing through the nose will have subsided, and you will be able to see a very visible change in your nose’s shape. Any bruising around the nose and eyes will have started to fade to green or yellow, making it easier to conceal with cosmetics. Though parts of your nose and face may remain very tender to the touch, your resting pain level should be pretty minimal if not nonexistent, and easily controllable with over-the-counter pain medications.
2 Weeks After Rhinoplasty: At this point, you will probably experience a dramatic reduction in post-op swelling, and any bruising will likely have disappeared. As swelling recedes, the new shape of the nose becomes more apparent and distinguishable. Any fine-tuning of the nose’s shape may be done with special taping, injectable treatments, or massage techniques — though this is usually not needed. After two weeks, you generally will not need much in-office follow-up, and will probably be back to your regular activities.
3-4 Weeks After Rhinoplasty: Almost all the visible signs that you ever had the surgery will be gone, and it is safe to return to cardio workouts. Your nose’s shape will be more well-defined with the continued reduction of swelling. At three weeks post-op, the patient can really begin to see what the final result of the surgery is going to look like. At one month to six weeks, you will likely have another follow-up appointment with your surgeon, just to check on things.
6 Weeks After Rhinoplasty: Since the bone structure has now set and stabilized, you can resume weight-bearing exercises, wear glasses if you want, and blow your nose if necessary.
3-6 Months After Rhinoplasty: If you were experiencing any issues with sensation inside your nose or on the skin of your nose, they will start to resolve at this point.
1 Year After Rhinoplasty: The healing process is complete. Any repositioned cartilage has fully conformed to the new nasal shape; all swelling has gone down entirely; and the tip of the nose is more refined and nuanced.
Will I need a rhinoplasty revision surgery?
The national average for revision rhinoplasty — meaning a rhinoplasty that has to be redone due to poor aesthetic or functional results — is about 15%. Many of our patients come to us after a previous procedure, and ask us to perform revision rhinoplasties. We cannot stress enough the importance of finding the most skilled surgeon for your procedure the first time. Finding an expert plastic surgeon, like those on our staff, can save you the time and expense of a repeat procedure.
Do I need a rhinoplasty plastic surgeon near me?
To ensure the best quality of care and technique, patients seeking a rhinoplasty often travel for the procedure in order to access the best experts in the industry. Because there are only a handful of expert rhinoplasty plastic surgeons in the country, patients should expect to travel to a location like Beverly Hills for their procedure.
How long does it take for cartilage to heal after rhinoplasty
Patients like to know the details of an entire recovery process. What does rhinoplasty look and feel like post op after a few days, a few weeks, months, and even years? With over 40 years experience on the job as a rhinoplasty surgeon I can expand on all facets of the recovery process so that you can feel comfortable and know exactly what to expect through each phase of the recovery timeline.
Patients can go home right after rhinoplasty to begin their recovery. The bruising will diminish every day. The swelling will continue to abate. Remember, the swelling at the bridge and the upper parts of the nose will go down quicker because the skin is thinner. The nasal tip swelling will take a little longer because as the swelling moves from the bridge down to the tip, it then has to dissipate from there, but it always goes away. There are other factors, including the thickness of the skin and how much work had to be done to narrow the tip of the nose.
Rhinoplasty swelling is common and its resolution is a function of complexity. If people have had many broken noses and had a deviated septum and the whole nose has to be basically disassembled and rebuilt, of course, there is going to be a little more swelling and bruising. But, again, it goes away. It does not take 3 or 4 weeks. It is always a matter of 7 to 10 days typically. Every day you look better. In my own rhinoplasty experience, within 9 to 10 days after surgery the appearance of my nose was very improved but not as good as it was a week or 10 days later. The swelling continues to go down.
The basic healing process of rhinoplasty is just like any other operation of the body. It is really a matter of 3 months, 100 days, but it is not that you do not look good at 3 weeks or 4 weeks. You look excellent, but the nose keeps getting better and better, meaning more refinement, more finesse, and more in accord with the predicted results. Remember that nature does best when there is no manipulation, when there is no massaging, and when there is no putting various tapes and things on the nose. Nature likes to be left at rest to encourage the best healing.
So, How long does a nose job take to heal?
In short, the typical rhinoplasty recovery time is under 10 days. There are many other factors to consider, such as rhinoplasty type; procedures like liquid rhinoplasty for example has zero recovery time, common in revision rhinoplasty. Typically, there will be a splint on the outside of your nose to protect it for 5 days or so and in 5 more days the nose has healed so well and you can return to all normal activities, including your exercise program. The only limitation is no contact sports, such as soccer or rugby where injury to the nose could be very unpleasant. For the nose to be rock-hard, solid, and all the tissue welded together takes 6 weeks. So, how long does it take to recover from rhinoplasty surgery? The average recovery period is typically 7 to 10 days, but it always depends on the individual.
Some rhinoplasties are accompanied by correction of a deviated septum to improve breathing or reduce the turbinates to also improve breathing and improve symptoms of allergy. That means you have had two operations; the external rhinoplasty and the internal breathing operation; so, there is going to tend to be a bit more swelling and bruising, but generally 10 days is, again, the landmark for looking good and being able to go back out into the world and resume your normal activities.
There is very little chance of major problems after one hits that 10-day mark. Going out in public, even if there is a little bruising, is still feasible using a little bit of makeup.
Looking normal is a process that takes place every day. The swelling continues to go down. Generally, it is maximum on the second day. How well one cares for themselves after the rhinoplasty, including taking the medications that are provided such as arnica and icing over the eyes and cheeks immediately after surgery, all contribute to the rapidity of the recovery as evidenced by less swelling and bruising.
Can cartilage shift after rhinoplasty
Yes, but in rare cases – In rhinoplasty cases where the bones need to be broken, the patients will heal within three weeks, and their nose won’t move afterward. But if the septum’s cartilage is crooked, it might deviate. Spreader graft is generally used to minimize the possibility.
When the nasal bones are narrowed, the bones are brought more towards the middle of the face. Occasionally those lines will be felt if you run your fingers up and down it, but the most important thing is that they should not be seen. In general, the little bumps are usually just the fracture lines from the original surgery.
It Has Been Two Months Since My Rhinoplasty And My Bump Is Getting Bigger. Is This Normal?
This can occur as the swelling goes down after a surgery. At the time of rhinoplasty surgery, there can be enough swelling in the skin to miss a bump, especially if it is a smaller one. It takes an experienced surgeon to realize when the perfect amount of a bump is shaved off, because even the skin thickness is uneven underneath that bump. Surgeons have to learn how to remove the bone and cartilage just enough so the profile still looks nice.
I Have A Dip In My Nose After Rhinoplasty. Is There A Permanent Solution?
Occasionally there can be a small dip in the nose and it is not worth it to undergo another surgery to fix it. In addition, placement of cartilage grafts, especially for a small deformity, can be relatively unpredictable and may not give you the ideal result. A good temporary option is something like Restylane or Juvederm, which can be placed to fill that divot. A more permanent option, when in highly trained hands, is liquid silicone. Liquid silicone is placed in micro droplet fashion and will give permanent results to the problem.
I Am About 1-1/2 Weeks Post-Op After A Rhinoplasty And Was Wondering If The Hanging Columella Will Resolve.
In the early post-op healing period, anything before six months, there will be many changes that will be happening to the nose. A hanging columella can be a result of swelling or it can be the result of poor surgical technique. Unfortunately, we cannot tell until all the swelling has come down and this takes at least six months. If this were to happen after a rhinoplasty, the best bet is to wait and see what happens. If it becomes a problem after six months, then we can deal with it appropriately.
It Is Common For People Who Have Had A Rhinoplasty To Have A Line Underneath Their Nose When They Smile?
Occasionally a piece of cartilage is placed in the middle of the nose to support the tip. If this is placed a little bit too low, it can act as a barrier and when you smile a crease can form underneath it. The way to avoid this issue is to trim the piece of cartilage that is placed to accentuate your anatomy and avoid a stiff crease from happening. If this were to happen after a rhinoplasty, it is a relatively easy problem to fix.
I Have A Cartilage Bump On The Tip Of My Nose After Rhinoplasty. Will This Go Away?
As with all procedures performed in our office, the first step involves meeting with Dr. Nima. Patients visit with Dr. Nima for a complimentary initial consultation, where he will thoroughly review your issues, goals and options. He will have photos taken of your nose and use state-of-the-art imaging software to demonstrate possible outcomes with various before and after scenarios. Additionally, Dr. Nima will carefully review your medical history and any paperwork you may have related to one or more previous rhinoplasties he will be revising.
The most important thing to Dr. Nima is that you feel completely comfortable before proceeding. And if, for some reason, you still have questions or concerns after this initial meeting, our staff is always available via phone or in person to further address any issues and put you at ease.
