Piggy Nose After Rhinoplasty: Causes, Signs & How to Fix an Upturned Nose
Posted by Nicole Schrader, MD, FACS
Written and medically reviewed by Nicole Schrader, MD, FACS
Double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with more than 20 years of facial plastic surgery experience.
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Last reviewed: July 17th, 2026
Are you facing unexpected cosmetic concerns after your rhinoplasty? An upturned nose after rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “piggy nose”, occurs when the nasal tip is rotated too far upward, making the nostrils more visible from the front. This can happen due to surgical technique, swelling during healing, or changes in cartilage support. While mild cases may improve over time, a nose that remains too upturned after rhinoplasty may require non-surgical correction or revision surgery.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your surgeon sooner if you develop worsening pain, skin discoloration, infection, sudden breathing difficulty, or another unexpected symptom
- An upturned appearance can be temporary, especially during the first several months while swelling continues to improve.
- Dermal filler may camouflage a small contour concern, but it does not rebuild cartilage or reliably lower a tip that is structurally too high.
- Revision rhinoplasty may be considered when the nose remains too short, lacks support, shows too much of the nostrils, or causes breathing problems.
- Many patients are advised to wait about 12 months before elective revision surgery so the swelling can settle and the tissues can become more stable.
What Is a Piggy Nose After Rhinoplasty?
A piggy nose after rhinoplasty refers to an overly upturned nasal tip that exposes more of the nostrils than intended. This can result from over-rotation during surgery, nose swelling, or structural changes to cartilage. While mild cases may resolve during healing, more pronounced cases may require correction.
Can an Upturned Nose Be Corrected Without Surgery?
In some cases, dermal filler can make an upturned nasal tip look more balanced. I may use a small amount of filler to:
- Smooth minor contour irregularities
- Improve the transition between the bridge and the tip
- Create the appearance of a slightly longer nose
- Make excessive nostril show less noticeable
I always explain to patients that filler is a camouflage treatment. It adds volume, but it does not actually lower the tip or rebuild the structure of the nose.
Filler cannot:
- Replace missing or weakened cartilage
- Release internal scar tissue
- Restore lost nasal support
- Correct breathing problems
Before recommending treatment, I look at how long the nose has been healing, the degree of tip rotation, the amount of visible nostril show, and the condition of the underlying cartilage.
Sometimes the best recommendation is to give the nose more time to heal. In other cases, revision rhinoplasty may offer a more reliable and lasting correction.
Nasal filler requires careful planning, especially when the nose has already undergone surgery. It is important to understand that injecting dermal filler into the nose is not an FDA-approved use. For this reason, nasal filler should only be considered after a careful examination and a clear discussion of the possible risks, limitations, and alternatives.
Revision Rhinoplasty for a Piggy Nose
Revision rhinoplasty is a second surgery performed to improve concerns that remain after a previous rhinoplasty.
Depending on the patient, revision surgery may address:
- A tip that remains too high
- A nose that appears too short
- Weak or missing cartilage support
- Excessive nostril visibility
- Difficulty breathing
- A combination of cosmetic and breathing concerns
Revision rhinoplasty is often more complex than the first surgery because the nose may contain scar tissue and less available cartilage.
During an evaluation, I examine the outside and inside of the nose. I also review previous photographs, surgical records, and details about the first procedure whenever they are available.
In many cases, surgeons recommend waiting about 12 months before elective revision surgery. This gives swelling time to improve and allows the tissues to become more stable.
However, every patient heals differently. Earlier evaluation may be appropriate if there is a significant breathing problem, worsening pain, an infection, skin changes, or another medical concern.he correction of any functional impediments caused by the initial operation.
How to Prepare for Revision Rhinoplasty
Clear communication is especially important when planning revision surgery.
During your consultation, we will discuss:
- What concerns you most about the current result
- What you hope revision surgery will improve
- Whether you are having difficulty breathing
- What was done during the previous surgery
- What results may realistically be possible
- The risks and limitations of another procedure
You may also be asked to provide:
- Photographs taken before the original surgery
- Current photographs
- The report from the previous operation
- A list of medications and health conditions
- Information about any previous injuries or filler treatments
Preparing for recovery may include arranging time away from work, planning transportation, and asking someone to help you during the first few days.
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Will an Upturned Nose Improve After Rhinoplasty?
It may.
During the first weeks and months after rhinoplasty, swelling can make the tip look higher or more noticeable than expected. As the swelling decreases, the tip may gradually settle and the shape of the nose may become more natural.
Healing does not happen at exactly the same speed for everyone. Some patients notice steady changes over several months, while others continue to see small changes for a year or longer.
It is important not to judge the final result too early. Your surgeon can examine the nose and explain whether the appearance is consistent with normal healing or whether there may be a structural concern.
Should You Speak With Your Original Surgeon?
Your original surgeon is often an important first person to contact because they know what was done during the first operation and how your nose looked immediately afterward.
Be honest about:
- What is worrying you
- Whether the appearance is changing
- Whether you are experiencing pain
- Whether your breathing has changed
- What result you were expecting
If your concerns remain unresolved, communication has become difficult, or you are considering a complex revision, it is also reasonable to seek an independent opinion from a surgeon who regularly performs revision rhinoplasty.
Recovery After Revision Rhinoplasty
Your recovery instructions will depend on what was done during surgery. Follow the specific plan your surgeon gives you rather than using general advice from another patient or website.
Your surgeon may ask you to:
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits
- Keep your head elevated
- Avoid pressure on the nose
- Use prescribed medications or ointments
- Avoid strenuous activity
- Protect the nose from accidental injury
Do not apply creams, medications, cold packs, or other products directly to the nose unless your surgeon has approved them.
Contact your surgeon if you develop worsening pain, increasing redness, fever, unusual drainage, skin discoloration, sudden difficulty breathing, or another unexpected symptom.
Preparing for an Upturned Nose Correction
Correcting an overly upturned nose requires careful planning. The goal is not simply to lower the tip. The surgeon must also consider support, breathing, facial balance, and the condition of the tissues after the first operation.
Before recommending surgery, I complete a detailed examination of both the inside and outside of the nose.
The evaluation may include:
- Checking the position and support of the tip
- Looking for scar tissue
- Evaluating the septum and nasal passages
- Reviewing breathing concerns
- Comparing current and previous photographs
- Reviewing the earlier surgical report when available
Computer imaging may help us discuss possible goals, but it cannot guarantee an exact result. CT scans or other medical imaging are usually only needed when there is a specific medical reason.
It is also important to have realistic expectations. Revision surgery may produce meaningful improvement, but no surgeon can promise perfect symmetry or complete correction.
About Dr. Nicole Schrader
Dr. Nicole Schrader, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New Jersey with over 20 years of experience in facial aesthetics, including cosmetic rhinoplasty.
Credentials & Expertise
- Double Board-Certified: Facial Plastic Surgery
- Rhinoplasty & Nasal Function Specialist: Extensive experience in both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty, addressing appearance as well as breathing and nasal health
- Facial Surgery Expertise: Performs a wide range of facial procedures with a focus on balance, harmony, and natural-looking results
Education & Training
- Medical degree from George-August University in Germany, graduated with highest honors
- Fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center
Clinical Approach
I take a personalized, anatomy-based approach to rhinoplasty, carefully evaluating both structure and function. I emphasize detailed aftercare and patient guidance to support proper healing and minimize postoperative concerns such as swelling or nasal drainage.
Consult with a facial plastic surgery expert
Considering the importance of expertise in achieving a beautiful and natural-looking nose, especially after a bad nose job, it’s wise to consult with Dr. Nicole Schrader. As a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, she offers upturned nose rhinoplasty in New Jersey, tailoring her approach to meet your unique needs, aesthetic goals, and potential breathing concerns. Schedule your consultation today to explore the best path to your ideal facial balance.