Is my nose still swollen 1 1/2 years after rhinoplasty or is this my final result? (Photos)

Question

I had my first rhinoplasty in feb 2022 & I’m not 100% happy. I like the side profile, but from the front, my tip doesn’t have that definition I hoped for. It looks very swollen still after 1.5 years after and has a “sausage” shape from the front. I’m considering revision but doctors have told me that my skin is thick and either can’t be made any smaller or still needs more time for swelling to go down. Is it possible I have scar tissue, would steroid injection help or just more time?

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. After rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), the nose can become REALLY swollen, and this swelling can take a LONG TIME to resolve (up to 1-2 years to fully resolve). I would recommend that you continue to observe things for now. You could consider a steroid injection, as this may help, but ultimately you should wait the full 2 years to see what your final results will be. Any revision surgeries would result in more swelling, so you should only consider that if truly necessary after that time. I constantly remind all my rhinoplasty patients how important it is to be patient after rhinoplasty surgery as it can take up to 2 years to see what the final nose will look like. I hope this helps!
Best, 
Dr. Donald Groves 
Plastic Surgeon

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

You could always try some steroid injection to see if that can help you get a little more definition, although steroids are very powerful so you don't want to over-thin things out and then cause dents that shouldn't be there. At 1.5 years you are probably close to your "final result" in terms of the post-surgical swelling, although you still may get minor changes here and there up to 3 years from surgery. However, I absolutely agree with what others have told you - if you have thick skin, there is going to be an inherent limitation to how small and "defined" you can get your nose. If this is absolutely something that drives you nuts, you could consider accutane to try to shrink the skin envelope a little bit, but from the way it looks in these photos, I think this is probably as "small" as you can go safely. Good luck!

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. As far as I can see from your photos .If you want a long-term solution, injections will not help you.I recommend rhinoplasty surgery for your concerns:Your nose will look much more elegant with the surgery.If you can provide photos with better lighting, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best regards!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Some people do retain swelling 1.5 years after rhinoplasty surgery, however, your photos seem to reveal thin nasal skin which does not tend to hold on to swelling for long periods of time. If you're unhappy with your nasal appearance, please consider discussing this with your surgeon or another experienced rhinoplasty specialist so you can see what might be best for you moving forward. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to make a good impression about your result based on these limited photos. Swelling may last much longer than 1 year after surgery. Application of  tapes overnight may help to reduce swelling and achieve permanent result sooner. Hope this helps.

Is my nose still swollen 1 1/2 years after rhinoplasty or is this my final result? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: You may not have significant swelling 1.5 years after rhinoplasty surgery.

Answer: You may not have significant swelling 1.5 years after rhinoplasty surgery.

Answer: Taping the nose

Answer: Taping the nose

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Is my nose still swollen 1 1/2 years after rhinoplasty or is this my final result? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: You may not have significant swelling 1.5 years after rhinoplasty surgery.

Answer: You may not have significant swelling 1.5 years after rhinoplasty surgery.

Answer: Taping the nose

Answer: Taping the nose

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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.