Nasal Tip Problems 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 rhinoplasty 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 rhinoplasty 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? There are many talented plastic surgeons in the Beverly Hills area, with the Lasky Clinic’s 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.