How long does it take for the columella to completely resolve swelling?

Question

I had Rhinoplasty about 4 months ago. I was wondering... how long does it take for the columella to completely resolve swelling? It's "thicker" on one side, causing a scooped out look in one of the nostrils. The other side is perfect, however.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Hang in there! As long as the shape and swelling are improving week to week, however slowly, there is still hope for the final outcome. Ask you plastic surgeon if there would be any benefit to taping or a steroid injection that can help speed your recovery. It takes over a year to realize the final results of rhinoplasty. Think of it this way, one millimeter of swelling would not even be noticeable in a breast augmentation. One millimeter may be the whole difference between success and failure in a rhinoplasty. It will take well over a year before that last millimeter of swelling has gone away and right now there is even more swelling as it is still very early.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.It's too early to make value judgments with 4 months days after a rhinoplasty.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Avron Lipschitz, MD · Answer

It can take up to one year for swelling to completely resolve. If there is a local area of swelling kenalog can be injected to decrease edema.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It is very normal to be swollen at 4 months postoperative.  The appearance of your columella may be related to if your surgery was open or closed technique.  With open rhinoplasty, there will be more columellar swelling.  The dorsal aspect of the bridge of the nose will usually decrease earlier than the nasal tip/columella swelling.  Nasal tip/columella swelling can sometimes take 6-12 months to fully resolve.  I advise patients that the final result of rhinoplasty takes 12 months.  I recommend that you return to see your surgeon, as he/she will have a good idea of what to expect in regards to your specific progress, since they can evaluate you in relation to your preoperative appearance.Best wishes and good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Your columella may be thick from a columella strut, or it may be thick because of swelling. If it is due to swelling, then this could take about a year to resolve.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Nasal swelling after rhinoplasty take more than one year to completely resolve. Be patient with it and relax.

How long does it take for the columella to completely resolve swelling?

Answers (6)

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