I had open rhinoplasty on 8/29/08. Today my splint came off. My nose is straight but still appears to be the same size. I had a wonderful surgeon - no problem there! Will the size of my nose get smaller once the swelling subsides? Day one of these most important questions. Thanks for all that you and your site does for patients with complicated questions!
Donna
Certainly your nose will become somewhat smaller with time as your swelling subsides. I tell my patients that they are seeing about 80% of their final result at 6 weeks and that it actually takes 1 to 2 years for the nose to totally resolve its swelling after surgery. It sounds like you have confidenc in your doctor so please trust in your surgeon and ask these questions of him or her and not on the internet.
I agree with Dr. Rand that the swelling will take time to subside, even a year or more. I also find that if you have thicker, olier skin, it may take a bit longer for the swelling to improve. Finally, I find that with an open rhinoplasty technique the swelling sometimes takes a bit longer to subside versus a closed technique. Both give excellent final results in experienced hands, but don't be surprised if it takes several months to see the final result.
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