Swelling of the Nose After Open Rhinoplasty

Michael A. Persky, MD answers: Nose looks more bulbous and round after Rhinoplasty

I had an open rhinoplasty three weeks ago, and I'm concerned about the current results. My goal for the surgery was to remove the side and front humps around my eyes and raise the tip. While I'm very satisfied with my new profile, and the bone is much slimmer around my eyes, the bottom 2/3 of my nose seems much more bulbous, and my tip appears way rounder (maybe kind of droopy too) than even before the surgery. Can I expect this to adjust with time? Is this still swelling? I don't regret having had it done, but I just hate that after all this, I still feel self conscious about my nose. Thanks!


Michael A. Persky, MD
11 months ago
By Michael A. Persky, MD - Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hi Gorgeous,

The swelling of the nose after open rhinoplasty takes longer to settle than swelling after endonasal (internal incision) rhinoplasty.  This is because the entire skin-soft tissue envelope was elevated off of the underlying cartilage and bone.  It takes an extra few weeks for the swelling to resolve, and most of it accumulates in the tip.  You should expect improvement with time.  Do stay in close contact with your surgeon, and let him/her know your concerns.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

 

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More answers to “Nose looks more bulbous and round after Rhinoplasty”

A: Rhinoplasty Experts advise waiting one year for final rhinoplasty results

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
10 months ago
By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Swelling may be more severe after an open rhinoplasty vs. a closed rhinoplasty.  Nonetheless, a surgeon with enough experience in rhinoplasty would advise you to wait approximately one year to see the final results.

The final shape of your nose will be determined by the thickness of your skin, the underlying structural support, and the position of the cartilage.

Although swelling is an important factor, you will generally be able to see early signs of your longterm account in about one month.

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