Swelling after rhinoplasty

 Majority of the swelling goes away after a couple of months usually. It is totally normal to still have some swelling at three weeks. Some of the swelling will persist, and take about a year to gradually go away.

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Rhinoplasty can take weeks to up to a month or so for the swelliing to go down.  Sometimes using steroids can help this swelling along. But you should be aware of the risks of steroids and thoroughly discuss this with your doctor. Also, you should be aware that very subtle changes can actually take up to two years to really be noticeable. These subtleties most commonly take place at the nasal tip. 

I would definitely avoid heat, as this can only make things worse by increasing the blood flow to the area, causing more inflammation and extending the inflammatory process. Keeping your head elevated will help the swelling go down. Also considering very light exercise can also help the swelling by increasing your circulation. I usually suggest 15-20 minute walks 2-3 times a day to help the swelling.  With guidance, judicious use of pressure can help relieve the swelling but you should definitely talk with your doctor about this.

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Approximately 70-80% of the swelling will subside one month after Rhinoplasty surgery.  It takes a full year for the other 20-30% of the swelling to resolve. At this time final results are seen.  Most of the residual swelling after the Rhinoplasty settles in the tip of the nose, this takes the longest to subside.  These observations are based on the last several thousand nasal surgeries Dr. Portuese has performed.

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