Do Bones Swell After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had rhinoplasty 2 weeks ago and although I am aware my nose is in the very early stages of healing I am concerned about how thick the bone looks from the front. It looks great from the side and the tip looks great even though it is still very swollen, from the front it looks thick and square. I have been told that this will go down in a couple of months but I'm not sure - does your nasal bone swell after rhinoplasty?

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The nasal bones don't swell after surgery. In fact they are often intentionally made smaller by rasping and filing away some of the bone. The surrounding flesh certainly does. This is what sounds like you are concerned about. At this stage of your healing you must wait. It hard to do, but you need time to work on your side. It will become clear later if there is anything of concern left.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi,

	Yes, nasal bones can swell after rhinoplasty.  It may take 6 to 12 months for the swelling to resolve.  Be patient and enjoy your new nose.

	Dr. P

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty surgery is notorious for taking a long time to heal, especially when an osteotomy has been performed.

	While most patients see a nice result the moment the splint comes off, swelling in many patients takes a full 6 months to resolve, or in the case of revision nasal surgery a full year.

William J. Binder, MD · Answer

After a rhinoplasty procedure, the thickness is a result of the swelling of the skin overlying the bone. The bone itself does not swell. It usually takes 6 months for the swelling to recede to visualize the final result.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The bones themselves do not swell. The soft tissue around them swell and this can affect the way the nose looks for several months.

Do Bones Swell After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)