Cosmetic appearance of the nose is always a concern in aesthetic rhinoplasty. Most gross swelling (the swelling that looks like the patient has been punched in the nose) recedes in a week or so. In addition, during this first post-operative week, an external splint or tape commonly protects the nose. These protective dressings are, of course, obtrusive by their mere presence. Although they don't interfere with most activities, they can be embarrassing.
More subtle swelling that does not bring attention but may obscure the definition of the operation takes much longer to resolve. Patients are told to plan on six months of healing before the end product of the operation is obtained. It may be longer or shorter by weeks or even months, but this period allows for the delicate refinements to emerge.
Sometimes recalcitrant swelling may be treated with injections of steroids, but only if there is something abnormal about the progress of resolution. In general the body does a wonderful job of healing itself without intervention by the surgeon.
