Crooked nose at the top 10 days after rhinoplasty. Just swelling or permanent?

Question

I have just had my cast off after having a rhinoplasty 10 days ago. I have noticed after that my nose at the top is slightly crooked to the left and I can feel what feels like bone on the left side. Is this most likely just swelling or does it look permanent?

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

Hello.It is way too early to tell just yet.It may very well be swelling.Give it some time, after 3 months or so you'll have a better idea of what your result is.Good luck. Dr. G

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

Though there is usually some degree of swelling this soon after your surgery, the asymmetry you see and feel is probably actually present. It is usually the result of the nasal bones shifting due to their sort tissue attachments.You should return to your surgeon for his opinion and see if he feels that they can be repositioned in his office under local anesthesia.

Umang Mehta, MD · Answer

Hi Marilise, thanks for the question. If your surgeon performed osteotomies (controlled fractures in the nasal bones) to straighten your nose, narrow your nose, or reduce a hump, there is a small chance of your nasal bones deviating to one side or the other within the first few days to weeks after surgery. I would recommend you get in to see your surgeon within the next few days to see if your nasal bones need a bit of pushing to straighten them out. This is a simple, 30-second maneuver which can be done in the office without anesthesia. It is somewhat painful but really isn't terrible. I've actually been through a similar maneuver without anesthesia after I broke my nose playing basketball in medical school!The reason this should be done soon is that if you wait too long, the nasal bones can heal in a deviated position. Straightening them after they've healed (usually around 6-8 weeks after surgery) may require making the osteotomies again in the setting of a revision rhinoplasty.Your nose is certainly swollen at this stage, which can limit the ability to tell exactly how straight it is. However, if you are feeling that left nasal bone yourself, it's likely the bone shifted a bit. Your surgeon would be best able to assess this by looking and feeling your nose with his or her fingers. Best of luck!Dr. Mehta

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

It may resolve after the swelling is gone but I recommend that you submit photos and follow up with your doctor as these issues
require the attention of a plastic surgeon.

Crooked nose at the top 10 days after rhinoplasty. Just swelling or permanent?

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Answer: Crooked nose at the top 10 days after rhinoplasty. Just swelling or permanent?

Answer: Crooked nose at the top 10 days after rhinoplasty. Just swelling or permanent?

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Crooked nose at the top 10 days after rhinoplasty. Just swelling or permanent?

Answers (4)

Answer: Crooked nose at the top 10 days after rhinoplasty. Just swelling or permanent?

Answer: Crooked nose at the top 10 days after rhinoplasty. Just swelling or permanent?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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