I had open rhinoplasty 25 days ago. Swelling looks like it's getting worse? (photo)

Question

Afternoon all. I've just done some more comparison photos, and to me the swelling looks worse now than it did at day 11. The tip still looks fleshy and round. The practical part of me knows this is swelling and will go down, but the other part is freaking out as I don't think it's looking much better than before. Can you put my mind at rest that this is just normal swelling and not what the end result will be. Thank you.

Ivo Gwanmesia, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your query.

The swelling will eventually subside. A lot of patience is required. Swelling varies from patient to patient. In some patients, the swelling seems to take longer to settle. Rest assured it eventually will.

Kind regards.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It is important to consult with your surgeon about any questions or concerns you may have so they can give you a physical examination.  He may want to show you nasal exercises to help with the swelling.  Things will change over the next few weeks.  It takes months for all the swelling to subside.

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.It is important to consult with your surgeon about any questions or concerns you may have so they can give you a physical examination. You are extremely early in your recovery period and your nose will begin healing and changing, this will continue over the course of a year to year and a half. Swelling can cause the appearance of unevenness or enlargement. It takes 6 months for 90% of the swelling to resolve after a rhinoplasty. During this waiting period, several treatment options can reduce the swelling. First, post-operative taping is imperative to decrease swelling and mold the shape of the nose. This can be performed for a minimum of 2 weeks with recommendations commonly for 3 months. Second, a short course of oral steroids (Medrol dose pack) can be beneficial in the early stages to decrease swelling and pain. Third, I commonly use a dilute solution of Kenalog with Marcaine to decrease swelling of the nasal tip. If after 12-18 months, you are still unhappy with your results, I would contact your surgeon or a board certified plastic surgeon for a revision.Best of luck in your recovery!Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

I had open rhinoplasty 25 days ago. Swelling looks like it's getting worse? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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I had open rhinoplasty 25 days ago. Swelling looks like it's getting worse? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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