1 year post op - uneven swelling on right side. Would I benefit from a steroid injection or a revision rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I am currently 1 year post op for my septo-rhinoplasty. Everything was perfect and symmetrical after I had my surgery. Around the 6 months mark, I began noticing uneven swelling on the right side of my nose. It fluctuates in size as some days it doesn’t look too bad, while some days it’s very noticeable. The right side of my nose feels much differently (rubbery) to my left side of my nose and the breathing is also a little stuffy. My doctor suspected that it was a scar tissue at the time (6 months post op), as my bone is straight and recommended for me to massage the area. The problem is that he is from a different country, and I’m not able to visit him for a follow up now. I am also currently 8 months pregnant, maybe my pregnancy could have possibly caused this if that’s possible...? Whatever it may be, I was wondering if I would benefit from a steroid injection or a revision as a whole? I would most likely be consulting a doctor when I would be 18-24 months post rhinoplasty. So I was wondering if a steroid injection would even help my case after that long? Thank you

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

At one year post-operative, you should be mostly healed. If you are having fluctuating swelling on one side, it may be worth asking your surgeon whether or not there are permanent sutures in your nose, or a foreign body implants. Sometimes either of these can cause intermittent swelling. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you may benefit from a revision rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include tip derotation of your over rotated tip, tip refinement, nasal tip deprojection, decreasing the nostril exposure, among other maneuvers. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

1 year post op - uneven swelling on right side. Would I benefit from a steroid injection or a revision rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Answers (2)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Rhinoplasty: Is tip only a possibility? Do I have a long face? (Photos)

How long until hydrogel based expansion scaffold grafts (not spreader grafts!) are available for rhinoplasty nose lengthening?

Always wanted a rhinoplasty but afraid it will be difficult and ruin my face - would I benefit from the procedure? (Photos)

Slightly crooked bulbous nose and a droopy tip - What type of rhinoplasty is most suitable for me? (Photos)

After a septoplasty and a revision septoplasty - could I get a more centered septum and symmetrical looking nostrils? (Photos)

Is this a fat graft protrusion? How can this be fixed? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS