Some patients notice a small dent or hollow in the nose after rhinoplasty and aren’t sure whether it is part of normal healing or a sign that something went wrong.
While rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, it can sometimes lead to irregularities such as small dents on the nasal bridge or nose tip. Knowing why a dent formed is what guides how it gets fixed.
Why is There a Dent in My Nose After Rhinoplasty?
Nasal dents after rhinoplasty can occur for several reasons, often related to changes in the nasal structure during surgery. A dent may appear on the nasal bridge, nose tip, or other areas due to tissue removal, cartilage reshaping, or the way the skin heals over the new structure. Most are minor irregularities that can be corrected, but the right fix depends on a careful exam by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.
Excessive Tissue Removal
One common reason for nasal indentations after rhinoplasty is excessive tissue removal. When a surgeon inadvertently removes too much bone or cartilage, it can create a scooped or depressed appearance on the nose bridge or tip. These changes may compromise the structural support of the nose, making the surface appear uneven or hollow. Correcting such issues often requires a revision procedure that restores lost volume and rebuilds the nasal framework.
Structural Weakness
When rhinoplasty alters the underlying bone and cartilage too aggressively, it can weaken the nasal structure and compromise long-term stability. This structural loss may cause parts of the nose to appear hollow or sunken, sometimes leading to a partial collapse around the nostrils or nasal tip. This can affect breathing as well as appearance. Correcting it usually involves cartilage grafts that rebuild support for both the shape of the nose and the airway.
Healing Issues
Scar tissue development or unhealthy recovery habits can sometimes cause internal tension or thinning of the skin, leading to visible indentations. Factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking are known to degrade skin quality, making it more likely for the skin to collapse in certain areas. In some cases, improper healing can produce irregular scarring that pulls down on the nasal surface. Treatment focuses on softening the scar tissue and improving the health of the skin.
Suture Reactions
In some cases, a delayed inflammatory response to the internal sutures used during rhinoplasty can create noticeable indentations. As the body reacts to these sutures, localized swelling or tissue contraction may occur, pulling the skin inward and leaving a visible dent. These reactions are relatively uncommon but can still affect the final appearance of the nose. Treatment often involves monitoring the healing process, removing problematic sutures if necessary, or performing minor corrective procedures to smooth the nasal surface.
Improper Taping
If nose taping is performed incorrectly during recovery, it can put uneven pressure on the healing tissues and lead to the development of dents. Overly tight or misaligned tape may press into delicate areas of the nasal bridge or tip, creating unwanted indentations. Proper taping technique is essential to support the new structure without causing harm. Follow your surgeon’s taping instructions exactly, and don’t adjust the tape on your own.
Revision Rhinoplasty Results
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Are There Any Risks or Complications From Having an Indented Nose?
For many patients, even a small dent makes them self-conscious about their rhinoplasty result. Seeing it in the mirror every day can wear on their confidence, at work and in social situations.
Beyond the cosmetic side, indentations can sometimes contribute to functional problems. Weak points in the nose may interfere with proper airflow, leading to breathing difficulties or long-term irritation. These problems are not always severe, but they are a good reason to have the nose evaluated and, if needed, corrected.
Book a Consultation
Thinking about rhinoplasty? Meet Dr. Shervin Naderi, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, at our offices in Reston, VA and Chevy Chase, MD.
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Call Reston (703) 481-0002 or Chevy Chase (301) 222-2020.
How to Fix a Dent on the Nose After Rhinoplasty
Correcting nasal dents can involve both surgical and non-surgical options, depending on the severity and location of the issue. Some patients may require a revision rhinoplasty to restore structure, while others may benefit from less invasive treatments that add volume or smooth irregularities. Because Dr. Naderi does his own injections as well as revision surgery, he can tell you honestly whether a dent can be handled without an operation.
Revision Rhinoplasty (Surgery)
For most patients experiencing nasal dents after a prior procedure, revision rhinoplasty is the most effective and lasting solution. It lets the surgeon rebuild weakened areas with cartilage grafts and correct both minor and major problems left by earlier surgery. Non-surgical methods can camouflage small irregularities, but only revision surgery can permanently restore the nose’s support and shape. Revision is usually done at least one year after the last nose surgery, and because scar tissue makes results harder to predict, Dr. Naderi sometimes cannot offer computer imaging for a revision.
Liquid Rhinoplasty (Fillers)
As a non-surgical treatment option, liquid rhinoplasty can temporarily correct nasal dents using dermal fillers. Filler placed carefully into the depression can smooth it out and improve symmetry. At The Naderi Center, injections are done only by physicians, and Restylane is the preferred filler for liquid rhinoplasty. This approach is especially helpful for patients with minor indentations who are not ready for revision surgery. Results are immediate and can last several months to over a year, but they are not permanent. For patients who want a less invasive option, liquid rhinoplasty can be a good choice.
Facial Fat Grafting
Another effective approach for correcting nasal dents is facial fat grafting. This method uses fat taken from another part of the patient’s body, which is then purified and carefully injected into areas of depression on the nose. Because the material is natural, it integrates smoothly with surrounding tissues and can offer long-lasting improvement. Fat grafting suits patients who want something longer lasting than filler but are not ready for a full revision. It is done under general anesthesia.
Custom Silicone Implants
Custom silicone implants offer another surgical option for correcting more pronounced or complex nasal dents. These implants are designed to fit the patient’s unique anatomy, adding structure and support where bone or cartilage is insufficient. Because they are custom-made, they provide precise correction and long-term stability. This approach is often reserved for cases where other techniques, such as fillers or fat grafting, may not provide adequate results. In the right case, an implant can restore contour and give a durable correction.
Don’t let an untreated dent or failed rhinoplasty define your confidence.
A dent after rhinoplasty can usually be improved. Revision surgery is typically done at least a year after the last operation, but you can be evaluated sooner, so you know your options and can plan ahead.
Let’s talk about what can be done for your nose
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to have a dent in my nose after rhinoplasty?
A dent can appear after rhinoplasty for several reasons, including too much bone or cartilage being removed, a weakened structure, scar tissue, a reaction to internal sutures or tape that was applied too tightly. Most are minor irregularities that can be corrected. Have it evaluated by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon to find the cause.
How long should I wait before revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is usually done at least one year after your last nose surgery. You can still have a consultation before then to understand your options and plan the timing.
Can filler fix a dent in my nose?
Often, for small dents. Filler placed into the depression smooths it out right away, and the result can last several months to over a year, but it is not permanent. At The Naderi Center, injections are done only by physicians, and Restylane is the preferred filler for liquid rhinoplasty.
What is used to rebuild the nose in revision rhinoplasty?
Dr. Naderi rebuilds weakened or over-resected areas with cartilage grafts, typically from the septum or rib, and for revisions he prefers the patient’s own rib cartilage. He does not use ear cartilage grafts. Even when rib cartilage is used, patients go home the same day.
Can a dent in the nose affect breathing?
It can. A dent caused by weakened bone or cartilage can narrow the airway or let parts of the nose collapse, which may make breathing harder. Revision surgery with cartilage grafts can restore support for both the shape of the nose and the airway.
Choosing the Right Facial Plastic Surgeon
Fixing a dent or irregularity after a nose job takes an experienced specialist. Revision procedures require a surgeon with extensive knowledge of nasal anatomy and reconstructive surgery to minimize risks and achieve natural, lasting results.
Dr. Shervin Naderi is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with 20+ years of experience and a strong surgical focus on rhinoplasty, including how the nose works as well as how it looks. Many of his patients come to him for revision rhinoplasty, some from out of town, and he will tell you if surgery is not in your best interest. Call us or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation.
See the Doctor
Questions about what you just read? Ask Dr. Naderi in person. Book a consultation in Reston or Chevy Chase, or start with a virtual consultation from home.
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Call Reston (703) 481-0002 or Chevy Chase (301) 222-2020.
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