Why is the tip of my nose bulbous after rhinoplasty?

A bulbous or rounded nasal tip after rhinoplasty is most commonly caused by post-operative swelling. This is a normal part of the recovery process and can take time to settle. While most significant swelling usually starts to subside from around two months after surgery, more subtle changes to the shape of the nose can continue to develop over the following months. For some people, this process can last a year or longer, particularly around the tip of the nose, where noticeable swelling often takes the longest to resolve.

However, if the shape of the nose does not gradually refine over time, or if the tip appears unusually bulbous or pinched, it may indicate that there were issues during the procedure. In such cases, the appearance of the nasal tip could be related to how the structure of the nose was altered. Possible causes include:

What should you do during the healing process after a rhinoplasty procedure?

The period following a rhinoplasty procedure can influence how the nose settles and how the final results take shape. Taking care during recovery, and following the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon, can help support healing and reduce the risk of complications. Each person’s experience will be slightly different, but there are several common steps that are usually recommended during the healing process.

Your surgeon may advise the following:

• Applying cold compresses around the eyes and cheeks during the first few days after surgery can help to ease swelling and reduce feelings of tightness or discomfort. These should be used carefully and not placed directly on the nose or delicate nasal skin.
• Keeping your head raised, including when lying down or sleeping, encourages fluid drainage and can help to minimise swelling. Extra pillows or a supportive wedge cushion may be used to maintain this position comfortably.
• Avoiding strenuous activity such as running, bending, lifting or any form of high-impact movement is important in the first few weeks. These actions can increase pressure, worsen swelling and interfere with the healing of delicate nasal tissues.
• Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet can help your body recover more efficiently and help your nose heal properly. Foods that are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals support tissue repair and help the immune system function properly. Soft foods may also be easier to eat in the initial days, especially if movement around the upper lip is restricted.

To ease swelling and prevent complications you may also be advised to avoid alcohol, smoking or certain products that could impact your recovery. These substances can impair circulation or affect how your body responds to healing, potentially slowing the process or increasing the risk of post-operative complications.

While most people are able to resume gentle daily activities within a few weeks, it's important not to rush the recovery period. Swelling can take time to resolve, particularly around the nasal tip, and changes may continue to occur for several months.

What are the signs of a problem with cosmetic rhinoplasty?

While rhinoplasty can lead to improved appearance and confidence when carried out correctly, not all procedures go to plan. In some cases, changes made to the structure of the nose can lead to functional or aesthetic problems - either immediately after surgery or as the nose heals over time.

If you have concerns about the outcome of your rhinoplasty, there are certain signs that may indicate a problem:

• Difficulty breathing: if you notice ongoing or worsening difficulty with breathing through the nose, this could be a sign that the internal structure has been compromised. This may be caused by narrowing of the nasal passages or changes to the internal support.
• Saddle nose deformity: a noticeable dip or concave appearance along the bridge of the nose may be caused by the collapse of cartilage or bone. This can affect both the appearance and function of the nose and may require revision surgery to correct.
• Asymmetry: if one side of the nose appears significantly different in size, shape or angle compared to the other, this could be a sign that the reshaping was uneven or that healing has not occurred as intended. Mild asymmetry is common, but clear imbalance may indicate a problem.
• Alar collapse: this refers to the nostrils appearing narrow or weak, particularly when breathing in. It can result from inadequate support to the outer nasal wall and may affect both function and appearance.
• Drooping or excessively upturned tip: a nasal tip that appears to hang too low or is overly rotated upwards can be a sign that structural support was not maintained during surgery. These changes can alter the facial profile and may not reflect what was discussed prior to the procedure.
• Excessive removal of cartilage: removing too much cartilage during rhinoplasty can weaken the nose’s structure. This may cause instability, changes in shape over time, or difficulty with nasal function.

If you experience any of these issues following a nose surgery, it’s important to speak with your surgeon. They may assess the outcome and recommend revision rhinoplasty if corrective work is needed. However, if you no longer feel confident in the original surgeon who performed your primary rhinoplasty, you may wish to seek a second opinion. This should be from a medical professional who is experienced in revision rhinoplasty and accredited by the General Medical Council.

What are a surgeon's obligations when performing rhinoplasty surgery?

Your surgeon has a legal duty to follow recognised standards of care that are designed to protect your health, wellbeing and the outcome of your surgery. These obligations include:

Before the procedure: consultation and planning

Your surgeon must ensure you are fully informed before making any decisions about surgery. This includes:

• Clearly explaining the potential risks.
• Setting realistic expectations for the outcome.
• Assessing your medical history and overall suitability for the procedure.

The rhinoplasty consultation should provide you with the information needed to make an informed choice about going ahead with surgery.

During the procedure: surgical technique and execution

The surgeon is responsible for:

• Using appropriate and recognised surgical methods.
• Performing the surgery as discussed and agreed beforehand.

Any decisions made during the operation must reflect the plan outlined during your consultation, and the approach should align with best practices in cosmetic nasal surgery.

After the procedure: aftercare and follow-up

Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon’s obligations continue. They must:

• Provide clear aftercare instructions to support your recovery.
• Monitor your progress through regular follow-up appointments.
• Act on any complications or signs that healing is not progressing as expected.

Ongoing care is a key part of a surgeon’s duty. If proper monitoring or intervention is not provided, this may be a sign that the standard of care has fallen below what is expected. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can support you if you believe your rhinoplasty outcome was affected by negligence at any stage.

What can you do if you feel you suffered from a negligent nose job?

If you are concerned that something went wrong during or after your rhinoplasty procedure, and you believe it may have been due to negligence, there are steps you can take to begin addressing the issue.

• Collect evidence: start by gathering any relevant information that can help build a clear picture of what happened. This may include your medical records, written communications with the surgeon or clinic, details of your consultation, and the dates of all appointments and follow-ups. Photographs documenting changes over time can also be useful.
• Seek specialist advice: it’s important to speak with a solicitor who has experience handling negligence claims involving facial plastic surgery. At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we specialise in supporting people who have experienced negligent rhinoplasty. We can assess your situation, explain your legal options, and advise whether you may be able to make a claim for compensation.