After Rhinoplasty, How Often Do We See Prolonged Swelling?

Question

I had a revision rhinopalsty four months ago which made my nose thinner. My nose looks good from most angles except that when in direct sunlight the skin in the area where the edges of the nose on both sides meet the cheeks is really thick so my nose appears to be sloping outward on both sides (Imagine a teardrop shaped nose). It looks swollen and when I press on it it feels spongy. I apparantly have a high propensity for forming scar tissue. Is this a skin shrink wrap issue/swelling/scarring

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

Recovery after rhinoplasty will vary based on the person, characteristics of the nasal tissues and what was done during surgery. After rhinoplasty, tip shape is typically the last thing to settle before seeing the final result; this can take 12 months or longer. During this time you will notice that the size of your tip decreases as swelling resolves and subtle details and tip definition appear. Additionally, the tip may descend causing the tip to rotate downwards (depending on what was done during surgery). It can take somewhere in and around 12-18 months to see the final results. The areas with thicker skin in the nose such as the tip, alar rims and radix will require longer to settle. Minor tip and alar rim asymmetries can be related to swelling and will continue to change as swelling resolves and scar tissue matures. You are still swollen and this can contribute to what you are seeing and will likely still improve over the next 6-12 months. It's hard but important to stay patient during your recovery and to be diligent attending your follow-up appointments with your surgeon.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question!

It is understandable that you are
concerned especially with the "tear shaped nose". Changes after rhinoplasties vary with
every patient and what you are experiencing is normal especially that swelling
takes time to subside as it masks the results of your surgery.

Without pictures, the lack of surgical
details and the inability to perform a physical exam it is not possible to
provide you with a definitive medical answer.

It is important to keep in mind that it
is early to pass a judgment. Usually, a year is required before formulating how
your nose will be, but longer with a thick skin. Even then, your nose will keep
shaping itself to complement your face for better results in the years to come.

My best recommendation at the moment is
to be patient, allow nature to take its course and edema subsides for better
results. There is no doubt that once the swelling resolves, more definition and
shape will be achieved and you should be happier with the results.

Also, it is important that you keep
communicating with your surgeon and work as a team together to achieve the best
results possible.

Congratulations on your surgery and
please remain positive!

Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

The swelling after the rhinoplasty procedure can last up to one year. This is how long it really takes for the full recovery from the rhinoplasty surgery. You can notice asymmetrical swelling from time to time around your face, eye area. It is very common and normal. With more swelling patients report some breathing difficulties on certain days. There can be numbness still present. You should follow up with your surgeon just to make sure your recovery is going well.

	However , nevertheless , most patients look very good just after 2 weeks after surgery

Michael Zacharia, MBBS, FRACS, FAAFPS · Answer

Hi, the swelling you are experiencing is not unusual after primary rhinoplasty let alone revision rhinoplasty. The lymphatic drainage after revision surgery is compromised and swelling takes longer to settle. The particular area you are describing may be along the osteotomy lines where the bone was broken and this can be callus formation (the healing reaction of any broken bone) which takes a long time to settle if it forms. There may also be cartilage grafts in this area. Sometimes I will inject a steroid to accelerate its settling but more often than not regular pressure on the sides of the nose, 2-3 times per day, will help it along.

	I hope this helps to reassure you, but if you are really concerned then have a review with your surgeon.

	Dr Michael Zacharia

Levente S. Deak, MD, PhD · Answer

It is depend on the type of surgery done. If we are redesigning your tip, it is usually fine after the first week and the final shape will be seen after couple months. However if I have to mobilize your bone, the swelling under your eyes could be there for 2 wwks and my patient prefer to be off from work for this time period. So overall I can say count on for two weeks and the first week you will stay at home.

After Rhinoplasty, How Often Do We See Prolonged Swelling?

Answers (6)

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty and swelling

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty and swelling

Answer: Recovery after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Recovery after Rhinoplasty

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After Rhinoplasty, How Often Do We See Prolonged Swelling?

Answers (6)

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty and swelling

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty and swelling

Answer: Recovery after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Recovery after Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.