How long is it normal to have swelling after rhinoplasty?

Depending on the complexity of your operation, swelling may last up to 12 months, maybe even longer. This is especially the case for patients who have thick skin. However, most patients will see that the swelling will subside within 2 months.
I can't give you the exact answer for your case because I don't have your picture but the rule of thumb is generally after 3-4 months most patients feel comfortable with their new look. It can, however, take up to a year or longer for your nose to settle into its new shape, especially around the tip. Keep in mind that if your surgery is a revision rhinoplasty, it may even take longer. In your case, 3 weeks is too early for you to see the final result. Best wishes.

Hi there. The degree of swelling post op is highly variable. Factors increasing swelling include thick skin, long or complex surgery, but in most cases it just varies from patient to patient. The splint keeps a bit of the swelling down so it is normal to see a bit more swelling after the splint is removed (this can be treated by using the splint at night for at least 6 weeks after surgery). Generally about 70% has resolved by 6 weeks, but it can take a year or two for the rest to go.

There are many factors that influence swelling: the type of procedure, whether it was a primary or revisionary surgery, and most tellingly, *who* performed the surgery. Interestingly, no two surgeons perform surgery in exactly the same way! In my practice, there is a saying, “The harder it is on the surgeon, the easier it is on the patient.” In other words, if the surgery is done slowly and carefully (more work for the surgeon), the quicker the healing time (the easier on the patient). As a specialist in rhinoplasty surgery, most of my patients are able to blend in public without distracting swelling as soon as the splint is removed, which is 7-10 postoperative. The tip is the area that shows swelling for the longest period of time: much as the foot swells if the ankle is injured due to gravity, the tip of your nose will retain swelling the longest. The literature states that patients can retain swelling for up to one year, but swelling can be charted like a bell curve, with small percentages of swelling happing in the last stages of healing. My staff and I always have detailed conversations with my patients about swelling to help make the process as easy and comfortable as possible, so I suggest speak with your plastic surgeon to see his or her thoughts. In my practice, I also offer lymphatic massage to help facilitate reduction of the swelling via the lymphatic channels. I recommend following up with your original surgeon on a regular basis to ensure that you are healing properly.