Fluctuating Rhinoplasty Swelling with Exercise at 9 Months?

Question

I am a 26 year old male who had an open rhinoplasty with both bridge and tip work about 9 months ago. Since the surgery my nose has been incredibly prone to swelling in response heat, posture (just lying down makes it swell), and exercise. I stopped exercise for 8 and1/2 months because it would always make the tip of my nose get really swollen. I started working out again, and the tip of my nose gets swollen during and after every work-out. Should I exercise if it causes all this swelling?

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

Intermittent Rhinoplasty Swelling – Rhinoplasty swelling with exercise is not uncommon, but this should subside over 6-12 months. If you have any concerns, you should ask your rhinoplasty surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Working out 9 months after rhinoplasty should not affect long term results.  Of course, swelling after working out increases but should decrease by the next workout.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

Swelling after a rhinoplasty is very common, even though it may seem like it is continuing too long. In 10-20% of patients, swelling after one year can be seen. If you are concerned, it’s best to visit your plastic surgeon to have a physical examination performed.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

I usually tell my patients after an open rhinoplasty that they can expect a rapid reduction in swelling over the first 6 weeks, a more gradual further reduction over the next six months and the final swelling to be out by two years.  It is  common during this period for certain activities such as high salt intake to increase the swelling.

	 

	With that in mind, I think that you are not doing any harm to your nose by working out.  In fact I would recommend working out just before your next appointment with your plastic surgeon so that he/she can see the effect this has on your nose and make sure nothing else is going on.  Good luck.

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

What you describe is not that unusual for 9 months out from rhinoplasty surgery - especially an open approach. I see situations like this all the time in my practice. I would suggest you be patient and wait upwards of 12-15 months to see how much of the fluctuations change. Happy healing.

Fluctuating Rhinoplasty Swelling with Exercise at 9 Months?

Answers (7)