Why is my nose the same size two weeks after an open rhinoplasty?

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

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8 answers to “Why is my nose the same size two...”

A: Rhinoplasty Recovery: Be Patient, The Results Take Time

By C. Spencer Cochran, MD - Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

The final results from a rhinoplasty take time to become apparent. The nose undergoes significant changes in the first 2 to 12 weeks following rhinoplasty. The swelling gradually dissipates over the first several months and thus the appearance of the nose changes gradually. * When the cast is removed after one... more

A: Rhinoplasty swelling takes months to resolve

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for your question and your update to your progress. I agree with the other surgeons. Rhinoplasty can take months to a year for the swelling to resolve. The tip is usually the slowest to find its final shape. This seems consistent with your post-op course. To answer your last question, most patients do... more

A: Final Rhinoplasty results may take several months

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty results are specifically related to the length of time after surgery, the amount of tissue edema, and the structural modifications performed. Although the general size and dimensions of the nose are obvious after surgery, the final results will take several months to manifest.

A: Nose after rhinoplasty

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Two weeks after Rhinoplasty is actually too early to critically evaluate the results. There is definitely too much swelling, but be a patient patient and give it some time.

A: Talk to your surgeon, too.

By David C. Pearson, MD - Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

First and foremost, be sure to talk to your surgeon about the swelling and size. After all, only he or she has examined you and can give you a better idea of what to expect in your particular situation. That said, two weeks post-op is still very early in the healing period. Particularly if a patient has thick... more

A: Swelling after Nasal Surgery

By Michael A. Bogdan, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty is a wonderful surgery, but it takes quite a bit of time to see the final results. The majority of the operation is performed by re-shaping the cartilage and bones of your nose, and the skin has to be elevated off those structures to allow for this to occur. Depending on your anatomy and the... more

A: I agree with Dr. Rand that the swelling will take time...

By Shahram Salemy, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Certainly your nose will become somewhat smaller with...

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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... more

Comments

mynewme
5 posts
11 Nov 2008

Thanks to all the wonderful Plastic Surgeons that responded to my question regarding size and shape of my nose 2 weeks post op! I am now almost 11 weeks post op and my nose is looking better but is still as large to me. My side profile looks very good but my front profile is what I struggle with. The lower half of my nose is still very wide. I hope in time (as I have read over and over again) my nose will continue to contour. Have had one follow up with my P/S and he too of course says that I have to give it time. Do most patients want a tip revision or are some rhinoplastys perfect? Thank you for your knowledge and great advice! Donna