Is the tightness sensation in my nose tip due to pressure (swelling) or is my skin trying to contract?

Question

I'm 3 weeks post op & my revision rhinoplasty involved a tip deprojection. He did a lot of work to my tip especially. The surgery took 3.5 hours. He also narrowed my bridge but I can't tell yet. Today I'm noticing an uncomfortableness when I smile because it feels like my skin is pulling as though it's tight around my tip. Even when I don't smile, I'm feeling a tight, tingling sensation & some sort of pressure on my whole nose. Just trying to pinpoint what's going on. Thanks!

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

This is the usual evolution of the healing process and there is nothing to worry about at this point. If it was an open then it will be about three months for those sensations resolve.

Gina Chu, MD · Answer

Dear KEL8486,
It sounds like what you are experiencing after your surgery is completely normal. You are early in the recovery phase and it is expected to have a tight sensation around your nasal tip and feel pressure when you smile. Also after a revision rhinoplasty, I feel the swelling can be more pronounced so even when you're not smiling it's normal to have this sensation. I would refrain from making strong facial expressions like smiling too hard during the first month to prevent from putting too much strain on the tissues; but I would follow up with your surgeon regarding their normal post operative routine. She/he will likely have a feeling about it either way. Best of luck!

Is the tightness sensation in my nose tip due to pressure (swelling) or is my skin trying to contract?

Answers (2)