13 months post-op - Is this swelling and will it ever go down? (photo)

From the photos, it seems that elements of your nose are wider in a way that might be correctable in a revision. Particularly the tip. Three-quarter views could help determine that, because the 3/4 view is often the one that shows tip width best. Someone needs to feel your nose and determine where the cartilages and bones sit, and whether they are the culprits, or whether continued swelling is the culprit.

It's rather unusual to have a lot of swelling at this time, but not impossible. But if it doesn't seem to be getting better month to month, then that's an indication that you're pretty much done with swelling reduction.

My two cents: I'd stop taping it, as I don't think tape does anything good for the nose. And I'd certainly stop massaging it. The digital manipulation could be generating swelling. Leave your nose alone for a month and see whether anything good happens.

I'm sooo curious about your surgery, too! Twelve hours for a primary rhinoplasty?! I personally am very slow, but I've never heard of that!

Your surgeon should be able to feel the tip of the nose to see what the wideness is from. If it's simply from skin, there's not much to do, although your earlier photo doesn't look like it's primarily a skin issue. If the cartilage is still wide, then a revision may be necessary. It may be useful to get a couple other opinions on the matter as well.

Your question reflects an important awareness of the healing process, and I appreciate the opportunity to offer some guidance.
Healing can take up to 1.5 years, depending on how the surgery was performed, your skin characteristics, and your genetic healing tendenciesWaiting for the swelling to fully subside is essential before considering any new interventions.
There are ways to help reduce swelling during this period: staying well-hydrated, limiting salt intake, eating potassium-rich foods, walking regularly, drinking green tea, and avoiding alcohol can all make a positive impact. Magnesium supplementation and elevating your legs while resting can also promote better circulation. Bromelain supplements may offer additional help in managing lingering swelling.When you reach the 1.5-year mark, an in-person evaluation by your surgeon will give the clearest insight into your tissue healing and the best next steps, if needed.
Healing unfolds in layers, and final results often reward those who allow the process to complete naturally. A thorough in-person evaluation at the appropriate time will ensure the best path forward for you.
Wishing you a healthy recovery and the very best outcome ahead.

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can see from your photos Depending on the skin structure, it may take 1 to 1.5 years for the nose to take its full shape. If you can send us your photos in the right light from the side profile, we can make a more accurate evaluation.
It would be better face to face consultation.
Best Regards!

Hello and thank you for your question. The final results take at least 1.5 years for the swelling to fully resolve. This can require lots of patience and waiting. Steroid injections performed by your surgeon can be extremely helpful. I usually start steroid injections around 1 to 2 months after surgery and continue as needed. With that being said, the final outcome will really depend on the surgical techniques that your surgeon used during your surgery. I recommend that you maintain close follow up with your surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

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

We always tell our patients, when your 10:00 pm nose becomes your 10:00 am nose, that is when you know that all of your swelling has dissipated. Since your surgery was an extraordinary amount of time, and since you are noticing fluctuations, in all likelihood, this is still swelling. You should certainly discuss these concerns with your surgeon, or it may be helpful to get a second opinion from another reputable rhinoplasty specialist. Thank you for this question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

At 13 months, it’s unlikely you still have swelling and inflammation.
All tissues have interstitial fluid that can be squeezed out, compressing the tissues.
This is true for all tissue.
To make a quality assessment if we need quality information.
This is best conveyed by having proper before, and after pictures at different time intervals.
Ask your provider to forward a complete set of before and after pictures for each of your postop visits.
Your providers also the correct person to follow up with regarding your outcome.
My best guess is that it’s unlikely your results are going to change by waiting a further.
If you want any further changes to your nose, you’ll most likely need a revision procedure.
Without seeing you before and after we can’t really make a good assessment.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD