The short answer is no.

The typical rhinoplasty done in the 1980’s or even 1990’s relied heavily on reduction of prominent cartilage and bone to achieve a more refined look. Knowledge of the long-term effects of such techniques was spotty and, so, many unfortunate patients were left with the trademark ‘operated’ appearance of a pinched, droopy, or distorted tip, and scooped-out nasal bridge.

These occurred because the newly-weakened structural elements of the nose could no longer provide the necessary support, often leading to breathing trouble. The forces of healing are dynamic and often operate for several years before these outcomes are evident. So, a postoperative result may look great immediately after surgery, yet evolve into a dismal failure over time. Likewise, collapse of the nose’s structural supports will compromise the basic function of the nose, namely breathing.

Modern thoughts on rhinoplasty take a much more conservationist approach. As much as possible, reshaping and contouring are achieved with suture and graft techniques that will usually leave the nose ‘stronger’ than it was preoperatively. While many surgeons think of nasal breathing more as an afterthought, those who have an interest and experience in rhinoplasty will assign as much importance to nasal function as to aesthetics. The result, at Profiles Beverly Hills, is that once short-term swelling is resolved, your breathing should be as good or better than before and the changes to your nose should remain ‘stable’ for a lifetime.

First and foremost, do not panic.

Early changes after Rhinoplasty are influenced by swelling and do not necessarily reflect the end result nor what was done during your operation. Trust your instincts and talk to your doctor about your concerns. There may be a perfectly good explanation for what you’re seeing. Sometimes, reassurance is all that is needed.

Once the cast comes off your nose, the natural tendency is to stare in the mirror for far too long- looking for the smallest of changes. This is precisely the most harmful thing to do because it will not change your healing and will only make you more nervous.

You will find that you are more swollen in the morning, when you are more active, or after lying down for long periods of time. This is because blood and fluid pools in the area of your nose and cheeks. Aside from that, healing happens in drips and drabs. You may not notice any changes for a few days, and then suddenly see a big reduction in swelling. There is a range of ‘normal’ healing. Don’t be alarmed if you are on the edge of that range. Your surgeon should let you know if anything unexpected is happening. If you are still unhappy at six months or a year, it may be time to talk about your options for improvement.

Your original surgeon is still the best place to start with this conversation, if he or she still has your trust. If not, consult a surgeon who has an experienced practice in Revision Rhinoplasty to see if this is a good option for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call or send an email.