Will My Nose Get Wider After Rhinoplasty?

Will My Nose Get Wider After Rhinoplasty? (Short Answer: No)

This is a very common concern.

When rhinoplasty is done correctly, the nose does not get wider long-term.

Why this myth exists

  • early swelling

  • temporary widening during healing

  • poorly supported noses after older techniques

  • Fear of widening by patients and surgeons can lead to deformity (inverted V) rather than a normal narrow bridge.

My approach

  • strong structural support

  • spreader grafts only where and when needed

  • controlled narrowing of bones and precise osteotomies with piezo or ultrasonic rhinoplasty

  • long-term stabilization

  • internal splinting

  • thinning bones when needed

  • * THE TIP CAN FLARE WITH EXCESSIVE AND POORLY DONE DE-PROJECTION. I ask patients to try and show restraint on de-projection desires until surgery and allow us to assess how the nose appears with de-projection. Often were able to do more than I am willing to show with imagine and maintain a pretty and narrow tip. But generally loss of projection can widen the nasal base if not closely monitored and carefully performed by an expert.

Swelling can also temporarily make the nose appear wider, but this resolves with healing. This is particularly true of the front view.

Bottom line: A properly performed rhinoplasty by an expert surgeon with a good aesthetic sense does not widen the nose permanently.

ARI HYMAN