Why is my Nose the Same Size Two Weeks After an Open Rhinoplasty?

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 skin or is simply prone to swelling (everyone's different), the final contour will take a long time to appear. As a general rule of thumb, I tell my patients that on average 60% of the... more

It is expected to have persistence of swelling after open rhinoplasty, particularly in the nasal tip. The size of the tip may continue to change for 12 to 18 months!

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 week, the nose will look swollen. * Usually by the end of the second week, the swelling and bruising have subsided enough that the casual observer will not readily notice that the... more

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 not need revision Rhinoplasty but in any case, I would wait at least one year before considering any additional surgery. I hope this helps!

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.

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 preference of the surgeon, an open or closed technique can be utilized. After any operation, your body responds by swelling, and this swelling peaks at 48 to 72 hours. The nasal splint... more

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.

Two weeks is way to early to be concerned about the results of a rhinoplasty.  I do open rhinoplasties for the most part and I feel that one disadvantage is a longer time for swelling to subside in the tip.   It may take a year or longer for the final result to emerge.

Open Rhinoplasty swell more than closed Rhinoplasty. due to the level of dissection.  It has been stated many times and bears repeating; " You should wait at least six months to assess the result of the rhinoplasty". Best, Tal Raine MD

Rhinoplasty is a popular and effective surgery to recontour the shape of your nose. Patients undergoing a rhinoplasty should understand recovery process. Immediately after the surgery, you may experience some swelling throughout your nose. This swelling may make your nose appear as if it has not had a significant change. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon as they may recommend that you continue to use a cold compress to this area, elevate the head, and continue to wait for the... more

Donna, it is quite normal for your nose to be swollen 2 weeks following rhinoplasty. If the goal of your surgery was to make the nose smaller in size, then it is reasonable that your nose looks somewhat similar to the original shape and size. You should begin to notice progressive improvements day by day and week by week. I tell my open rhinoplasty patients to expect resolution of 70-80% of the swelling by 2-3 months out from surgery. This is just a general guideline that helps put... more

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.

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.