Could it still be very swollen at the base 5 months after open rhinoplasty? (photo)

Question

What is going on with my nose after rhinoplasty? I had open rhinoplasty 5 months ago for wide nasal base/crooked bones and correction of a wide/poorly defined tip.I had osteomies and cartilage graft at the tip. Now I'm unhappy with the results,despite steroid injections at the tip for swelling starting at the 3rd post-op month.The tip is healing better, but the base appears very wide and uneven.Is the base still swollen?Is there anything I can do (like steroid inections at the base) to help the base heal better or is revision my only solution?

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

It is not abnormal to still have swelling at the base 5 months after open rhinoplasty. In general, 70% of the swelling is resolved after the first 3 months and the remainder goes down over time. It can take up to 18-24 months to see the final result of surgery. Swelling may be influenced by the following: Whether the procedure was a revision, whether the procedure was open or closed, whether tip work was performed, and the thickness of the patients' skin. Since you had tip work and your procedure was open, swelling may linger for a longer period of time. I would give it some time and see how you continue to heal, as your nose will change over time. It is best to speak with your surgeon regarding any post-operative concerns, as they know the extent of your procedure and exactly what was performed. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The nose 
can be swollen for up to a year or more.  Swelling will depend upon the 
nature of maneuvers employed, presence of grafts or implants, thickness 
of skin, open vs closed, revision vs primary,  etc.	Kenneth Hughes, MD	Los Angeles, CA

Stephen M. Becker, MD · Answer

I always advise my patients that they will have to wait a year for all the swelling to resolve and see the final result. I would not advise a revision before then.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I am always amazed at how much open rhinoplasty noses change with time during the first year especially. I have seen noses at 6 months after surgery that thin out significantly more by one year.  Give it time.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

It take sometimes over a year for swelling to resolve in an open rhinoplasty.  Give it time to completely heal.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Could it still be very swollen at the base 5 months after open rhinoplasty? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Rhinoplasty and swelling

Answer: Rhinoplasty and swelling

Answer: Post op swelling

Answer: Post op swelling

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.

Could it still be very swollen at the base 5 months after open rhinoplasty? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Rhinoplasty and swelling

Answer: Rhinoplasty and swelling

Answer: Post op swelling

Answer: Post op swelling

Browse related questions

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.