I am almost 4 months post rhinoplasty and my nose is still swollen! Is this normal?

Question

I got my rhinoplasty on September 15, 2017 and it has been almost 4 months and still my nose is swollen. Mostly the tip and the right side ! It’s freaking me out ! My best friend had hers done last year and looked much better around her 4 months ! Any ideas , suggestions?

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to give an opinion without photos. Residule swelling is normal after Rhinoplasty. The full result can take up to about a year. The best thing to do is have you plastic surgeon evaluate you in person. Best of luckDhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago Orland Park

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and concerns. Swelling after rhinoplasty surgery may last 1-2 years. The nasal tip takes the longest to heal completely. During this time you may notice asymmetry in the tip and dorsum.  Be careful in making comparisons between your healing process and your friend. Each patient and procedure is unique and healing times vary significantly.  I wouldn't be terribly concerned at only four months. Make sure you follow up with your rhinoplasty surgeon and address these concerns with them. Your surgeon can reassure you that healing is proceeding as expected only after thorough examination. Good luck!Dr. Harmych

Jill Hessler, MD · Answer

The amount of swelling following a rhinoplasty can vary depending on your skin thickness, thicker skin tends to hold on to swelling longer, and the extent of your surgery with more procedures leading to more swelling.  The majority of the swelling is usually resolved by the first 2 months, however it can take up to a  year or more for full healing.

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

Typically, the initial swelling after nose surgery subsides within two to three weeks. However, residual swelling, especially in the tip of the nose, can take about a year to resolve as the contour refines. Swelling can also vary through the day, being more prominent in the morning. People heal at different rates as everyone is different. Try and be patient as your nose will continue to heal and make changes. Best of luck to you!

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
With any nasal surgery, the name of the game is patience. At one week, we would expect you to have quite a bit of swelling and bruising still noticeable and may have trouble breathing out of one or both nostrils. By the end of two weeks, typically, you will still be swollen but look more like you have a bad cold, rather than post surgical. Swelling can take up to a year to be completely gone, however, by 9 weeks you will look very good and should see big difference from your pre-op pics.

Steven H. Dayan, MD · Answer

Dear nadwa1985,
Nasal swelling after rhinoplasty can be typically expected and the healing process varies from patient to patient. Usually a lot of the swelling improves within the first month after surgery but changes in the nose still continue months to years out. Patients with thicker skin tend to have more initial swelling that takes longer to resolve. We recommend you seek close follow-up with your surgeon with repeat evaluation. Based on the nature of your swelling, they may be able to offer certain management options such as steroid injections and manual pressure exercises to help the swelling improve more quickly.

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

It will vary from person to person and widely depending on the exact procedure and method used. I would address it with your surgeon but swelling in the tip is not uncommon at the four month mark. Usually by six months a majority of the swelling is gone but there still are significant changes that take place for up to one year.Best of luck

Juan Carlos Fernandez Romero, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, after a rhinoplasty there is a certain period for recovery which can last from 8 to 12 months depending on the person, final results can start to be seeing after a year.

Wayne Mucci, DO (retired) · Answer

Swelling at 4 months post rhinoplasty is not  unusual. It may take anywhere from 6 to 12 months for all swelling to resolve and post operative changes to occur .You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

I am almost 4 months post rhinoplasty and my nose is still swollen! Is this normal?

Answers (9)

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