After rhinoplasty how long should the swelling last?

Rhinoplasty may produce swelling that can last for a prolonged period of time. The definition of 'prolonged' may be different between patients and surgeons, so I always try to talk to my patients in absolute time periods. Typically, I tell my patients that reduction of swelling to a point of 'social... more

Rhinoplasty swelling occurs both on the outside and inside of the nose. Patients are generally "restaurant ready" and socially acceptable within 2 weeks following surgery. Most swelling after rhinoplasty resolves within a month. The final 20% of swelling takes a much longer time to resolve, up to a... more

The amount of swelling and how long it persists after rhinoplasty depends on several factors such as the surgeon's technique, open versus closed approach, whether the nasal bones were broken, and the number of prior nasal surgeries.  Patients in whom open rhinoplasty techniques were used, cases in which... more

The general rule of thumb for resolution of swelling after rhinoplasty is the following: 80% reduction of swelling within 6 weeks 90% reduction within 6 months 100% reduction within 1 year Although this serves as a good rule of thumb, it is important to remember that there is interpersonal variation. ... more

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... more

Rhinoplasty is an operation that takes at least a year to fully recover from. I recommend icing and sleeping with the head of the bed elevated during the first 7-10 days to keep swelling to a minimum.  My patients all get Aquaplast nasal casts placed to keep swelling down for 7 days. It can take 2-4... more

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... more

It has been my experience that there is great variability in the amount of swelling after rhinoplasy.  The swelling will depend on whether the rhinoplasty was 'open' or 'closed', primary or secondary, whether grafts were placed, the patient's  predisposition to swelling and the thickness... more

Rhinoplasty swelling is common immediately after surgery. The amount of swelling can depend on procedure performed, surgical technique and individual differences in your healing.  Tip swelling is usually the last to resolve.  Head elevation and post-operative splinting can help reduce swelling and... more

Hi Anonymous, Yes, it is normal to have  swollen nose at 3 weeks after surgery. However how swollen you are depends greatly on how much surgery you had done. If the procedure was done (open) or an external approach with an incision in the columella ( the skin between the nostrils) then it is likley you... more