My nose looks bigger from the front after rhinoplasty. 1 month post-op. (Photos)

Question

It's been about 1 month after my surgery day. From the side my nose looks better but swelling from the front hasn't gone down at all.. is that normal? I read that most major swelling subsides within the first few weeks but I do not notice any difference in the front of my nose. It actually looks larger. My doctor was supposed to make it thinner and it just looks wider (I do also feel a little hard bump on the right side.) Is this normal?

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello!Thank you for your pictures, I do see significant swelling which is normal 1 month post op. It truly takes 1 full year for the entire dorsum (profile) and sidewalls of the nose to fully heal and for all the swelling to dissipate. Rhinoplasty healing is a tedious process because it is one of the only surgeries where we are not removing excess skin. It takes 3 years for the tip to fully heal (only if significant tip work is performed). The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it is the thickest skin of the nose. The skin over the profile is thinner than the skin over the tip. Healing takes time, so be patient and continue icing. Icing is key to help with the swelling!

Daniel Butz, MD · Answer

Nasal swelling post rhinoplasty is expected and takes approximately a year until the healing is completely resolved. However, after 3-5 months the basic shape can be appreciated. 
So be patient. Sometimes steroids can be injected into the nose to help things along but this is up to the discretion of your surgeon.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It's still too soon to tell what your final results will be. You need to have patience with your body as it begins to heal. The skin, bone and cartilage are all traumatized during surgery. Inflammation (swelling) is the normal response and will help your nose to heal and look beautiful in the end. If, one year from now, you are unhappy with your nose, then that is the time to think about a revision procedure. Right now, concentrate on other things you like to do and let your nose take its time to heal. I hope this helps.

Mark Been, MD · Answer

Thanks for your post. I recommend remaining patient during this time, because you are still early in the healing process. Over the next several months, you should see gradual improvement with your swelling. Be sure to follow-up at all scheduled visits with your surgeon. Good luck!

Jeffrey Joseph, MD, FACS · Answer

At one month post op, the tip will be much wider than it will once your results are more defined.  Be patient and follow your surgeon’s recommendations.

My nose looks bigger from the front after rhinoplasty. 1 month post-op. (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Nasal swelling

Answer: Nasal swelling

Answer: Give it time

Answer: Give it time

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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My nose looks bigger from the front after rhinoplasty. 1 month post-op. (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Nasal swelling

Answer: Nasal swelling

Answer: Give it time

Answer: Give it time

Browse related questions

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.