4 weeks post op rhinoplasty. I have thick skin and my nose tip looks bulbous. Will this decrease? (photos)

Question

Hi, I just have a few questions in regards to my rhinoplasty. Firstly, I just wanted to say my surgeon did a great job on my rhinoplasty specifically on the side profiles but when I look at the tip it still looks red, shiny and more bulbous. Will this decrease? I know I have thick oily skin.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

At 4 weeks with thick skin, it is early to see resolution of the swelling.  You would need many months for this to occur.  Once the tip is soft and supple and does not feel hard like bone and you have normal sensation, you will know the swelling has all resolved.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. First of all, congratulations on your rhinoplasty and thank you for the pictures. However, you are still early in your recovery process. This procedure involves the manipulation of the nasal bones and nasal cartilage, which then leads to an abundance of swelling. The swelling misguides the results of your procedure. It takes a couple of months for all the swelling to go down. Be patient. Continue to go to your follow up appointments. If concerns persist, contact a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed evaluation.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. Postoperatively, after a rhinoplasty, you can anticipate bruising and swelling that is noticeable to others for 1-2 weeks. Sutures are removed at 1 week along with any internal or external splints. You will notice that your own nose is swollen for another 2-3 months. Final healing time can take up to 1 year. Especially in a patient with thicker skin, final healing time may be closer to the 12-month mark and sometimes even longer.
Try to be patient, and if you have future concerns that warrant clarification, reach out to your surgeon to discuss.

Gary Linkov, MD
Rhinoplasty Specialist
Manhattan

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. Thick and oily skin is a challenging case that requires certain treatment before the surgery and in some cases after the surgery. The final result may be achieved in more than a year. The swellings on the tip dissipate the latest. Proper cleaning and massage techniques might be helpful but it must be discussed with your surgeon. To find out more please click on the attached link. 
Best Regards

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The answer is yes typically, but with time.  With rhinoplasties, since the tip is in the most dependent (at the end) position, it is typically the most swollen and for the longest period of time.  Swelling for a rhinoplasty procedure can last anywhere from 9-12 months and especially in someone with a thicker skin type.

4 weeks post op rhinoplasty. I have thick skin and my nose tip looks bulbous. Will this decrease? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Bulbous tip

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4 weeks post op rhinoplasty. I have thick skin and my nose tip looks bulbous. Will this decrease? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Bulbous tip

Answer: Bulbous tip

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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.