3 and a half months post rhinoplasty and one side still seems more swollen than the other. Is that normal at this stage?

Question

So I'm 3 and half months out from my rhinoplasty and one side of my nose is still more swollen than the other. Not sure if that's normal still or if it should've resolved by now

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Swelling is common at 3 months after rhinoplasty but asymmetry is not.  If there is a huge difference between one side and the other end you need to bring it to the attention of the surgeon.  You might end up requiring steroid injections in that area.Regards Dr. J

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Without a picture, it is difficult to say if it is normal postoperative swelling or if there is something else going on.  If you have concerns, I typically recommend contacting your surgeon to discuss the issue, as they know you and your procedure best.In general, it can take a year or longer for nose swelling to go down and for you to see the final shape.Cheers,Dr. Michael EpsteinMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Without pre-op and post-op photos, and knowing the details of your surgery-it's difficult to comment accurately. Generally speaking ,asymmetry 3 months post-op can occur, one side would heal differently from another- but will never be a mirror image of another side. It's still early post-op- give it a full year to see the final result

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!Three and a half months after rhinoplasty is still very early on to be able to appreciate the final results of your procedure. We tell our patients to wait at least a full year until they can reasonably appreciate the results of their procedure. In many individuals, positive changes can be detected even beyond a year, at closer to 18 months! It is very common for patients to have more swelling on one side than the other. It can be very difficult, but just try to be patient and see if the swelling subsides.**Did you know we are *live on Snapchat* every day? We are St Louis' own plastic surgery reality show! Add us (@nosebynayak) to see what goes on behind the scenes. Caution – our daily story is addictive, contains live surgery, and is not for the faint of heart!**

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It can take a year or more of the swelling to completely subside after rhinoplatsy.  Be patient with the results..

3 and a half months post rhinoplasty and one side still seems more swollen than the other. Is that normal at this stage?

Answers (5)