Fleshy (thick-skinned) noses have weaker cartilages. If these delicate cartilages are shaved down and thinned out, the nose might look smaller and more attractive for a while. However, over time and due to subcutaneous interactions and healing forces, the nose contracts and pulls downward. The common belief that the nose has "drooped" or "relapsed" stems from this very reason. Nowadays, because fleshy noses are shaped, contoured, and restructured through cartilage reinforcement and grafting, the relapse or drooping of fleshy noses has significantly decreased and may not occur at all.
Fleshy rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging types of nose surgery. Thick skin, high sebaceous gland activity, and a weak cartilaginous framework are key characteristics of this nose type. Many patients share a common concern:

Is it possible that over time the surgical results will relapse and the nasal shape will become wide or droopy again?

Relapse refers to the gradual change in nasal shape following surgery, such that:
The nasal tip, which was initially elevated and more refined, droops
The width of the nasal tip increases
The nasal skin appears fuller and more bulky again
Defined lines, contours, and angles fade away
These changes usually manifest gradually over several months to several years after surgery.

Ways to Prevent Result Relapse

1. Bone and Cartilage Reinforcement During Surgery Instead of aggressively resecting cartilages, they must be reinforced and securely fixed from within at the nasal tip. This technique provides a much stronger foundation for heavy, thick skin.
2. Adhering to Post-Operative Care
✔ Nose taping according to the doctor's instructions
❌ Avoiding trauma, impacts, and pressure
❌ Reducing salt intake and tobacco use

3. Corticosteroid Anti-Inflammatory Injections In cases of prolonged, persistent skin swelling, the physician may administer localized steroid injections to help the thick skin adhere better to the newly sculpted framework.
4. Maintaining a Stable Weight and Proper Nutrition Unhealthy diets high in fat or sodium can prolong facial edema. A balanced diet and adequate water intake help reduce swelling and stabilize nasal contours.
5. Avoiding Tobacco and Smoking Cigarettes and hookahs impair blood circulation and prevent proper skin redraping and adherence; consequently, they can be a contributing factor accelerating relapse.