LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi Dr. Lam,
I am currently 8 weeks post-op rhinoplasty. I had augmentation of my bridge as well as tip refinement done. My doctor put in a columellar strut, columellar onlay graft, alar rim grafts, dome sutures, tip graft, and added height with a continuous dorsal onlay graft from the radix to supratip. According to the operative report he did not perform any osteotomies, just "minor dorsum rasping". The grafts were constructed from rib cartilage. Other than tip manipulation, it doesn't sound like he altered the underlying structures. After this procedure, I have been on an emotional downward spiral. I miss my old face dearly. I think the added height makes me look very strange and even more, I miss my "flat"/"wide" face as well. I also didn't realize that seeing the same nose in my daughter would effect my emotions the way it has either. My surgeon is wonderful, and I plan on discussing this with him as well, but due to your extensive experience in ethnic rhinoplasty I wanted to ask your professional opinion also. My questions for you are 1) When can my surgeon remove my dorsal onlay graft? 2) Due to the tip refinement, will removal of the graft affect the balance of my face? 3) Will the underlying rasping to the dorsum affect the appearance of the dorsum once the onlay graft is removed? 4) Will the skin stay stretched out after removal or will it contract again onto the underlying structure? 5) Lastly, how complicated is this to do? Is it better to do this soon or wait?

Thank you for your time.

8 weeks is a very short time after surgery and things are still healing. although i would love to answer your questions, i am always careful in the early postoperative period. i would definintely consult you surgeon regarding your questions also because i do not know your situation personally well enough.
best,
sml