4 weeks post rhinoplasty - is this just swelling or is my nose still overprojected?

Question

I had a closed rhinoplasty 4 weeks ago. I am generally pleased with the profile, compared to before (cringing at the before photo now!). My concerns are: a) how my nose still appears to be "pulling" on my upper lip, which I feel makes it look long; b) fullness in the tip; c) length/projection. I'm seeing my surgeon next week so will address these concerns, but wanted a third-party opinion as I have now probably overanalyzed. :) Is this swelling that will go down, or is this how it will look?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. You are still early in your recovery process. All the swelling misguides the result of your procedure. It can take up to one year for all the swelling to go down. Until then you can examine your final results. Be patient. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are likely experiencing swelling and bruising, which is common after surgery and tends to subside within the first few weeks to one month. Keep in mind that each person heals differently so you should follow the recovery instructions that you received from your board certified facial plastic surgeon which are tailored to you. You should expect to see improvement as you continue to heal.
Best wishes,

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question about rhinoplasty.  It is still early to see how much swelling is affecting your results.  Already some nice and subtle improvements in your profile are visible and it seems like you are on the right track.  Stay in touch with your Surgeon.  Best Wishes

Melih Erogul, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The performance of rhinoplasty involves the separation of the nasal
bones and cartilages from overlying and underlying structures, fracturing
the nasal bones, removing excess bone / cartilage, reshaping of the
remaining bone and cartilage. The significant intraoperative trauma
causes swelling (which may be asymmetric), which will make your nose look
large and wide. This will improve markedly over the first 6 weeks, but will
take at least a year for your nose to assume its final shape and size. The
nasal tip is notorious for taking the longest time.
The fullness noted in the photo most likely represents inflammatory swelling. It is too early to assess the operative result.
Continue followup with your surgeon.
Best wishes...

4 weeks post rhinoplasty - is this just swelling or is my nose still overprojected?

Answers (4)

Answer: Concern 4 weeks post rhinoplasty

Answer: Concern 4 weeks post rhinoplasty

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4 weeks post rhinoplasty - is this just swelling or is my nose still overprojected?

Answers (4)

Answer: Concern 4 weeks post rhinoplasty

Answer: Concern 4 weeks post rhinoplasty

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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.