6 weeks post rhinoplasty, still swollen or not? (photos)

Question

It's been 6 weeks post septorhinoplasty and my surgeon told me that the bones are set now. Will my bridge thin out more like my preop pics, and my tip become more defined? I got grafts on my tip as well, still numb there. He did an amazing job, but I feemlike it's too wide and shapeless compared to preop pics.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Depending on whether it was an open rhinoplasty vs closed, the swelling will differ. Generally, at 6 weeks you still have a lot of swelling. The tip swelling will always take longer compared to the top of the nose.

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out. It does look like you are still swollen. The swelling after a nose job takes typically 6 to 12 months to fully resolve. Most of the swelling however will be gone in three months.

Hope this helps :-)

Hope this helps :-)

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hi thanks for your query,Do not panic,as it is very early to see the rhinoplasty results.It takes at least 6 months for the nasal dynamics to heals and swelling to subside to see the outcome .The tip swelling will be the last to settle down .However in the meantime do  consult your surgeon on periodic visits and get it examined and takes his advice regarding massages and steroid injection if needed .Good luck

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Your nose is still swollen and it will take months for you to be able to appreciate the final result.  You should see more tip definition; this is the last place which will remain swollen so expect the proportion to change over time.

David L. Cangello, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You are absolutely still swollen after only 6 weeks. It takes up to one year for all swelling to go away! Try to be patient, as your nose will look better and better over the next several weeks/months! Hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At 6 weeks, you are likely still very swollen. You need to give it a year for thinks to settle down......

Summit Kundaria, MD · Answer

lilgretii,
Thanks for your question and pictures.  I think that you do have swelling that can still be reduced with time, though your results should be marching toward your final results (slowly) at this point.  If you feel that the tip of your nose is too wide, then I would reassure you that this area (especially after grafting) is one of the slowest to heal.  If you are not happy with the bridge of your nose, I would discuss this with your surgeon, as I think this is farther ahead in terms of your swelling than the rest of your nose.  If it's any consolation, I think you had a good surgeon that did good work based on these pictures, and would urge patience above all else, as you do have quite a way to go still.  Good luck!

6 weeks post rhinoplasty, still swollen or not? (photos)

Answers (7)