Swelling came back after 3 weeks post rhinoplasty, is it normal? (photo)

Swelling is most definitely a major part of post-rhinoplasty healing. In fact, you will experience varying degrees of swelling around your nose for up to a year following your procedure, as you heal and your new nasal structure settles into place. However, if you continue to have abnormal fluid discharge from your nose, this may be cause for concern and worth a follow-up with your surgeon to ensure that everything is ok. Best of luck!Michael Eisemann M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Houston, Texas

Thank you for your question.All the changes you are experiencing are completely normal. Rhinoplastys can take up to a full year for total healing. It is completely normal for there to be ups and downs with the procedure. At first, the nose can appear too large or very swollen, and the tip may appear to far up, but everything settles with time. Be sure to follow your post operative instructions carefully and you will be very pleased with your final result. 

As you have experienced, changes occur over the course of rhinoplasty healing. At first, the nose looks too "fat" and too "up," especially at the tip. Most of the dropping happens early, but there can still be significant changes over the full year and beyond

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The performance of rhinoplasty involves the separation of the nasal
bones and cartilages from overlying and underlying structures, fracturing
the nasal bones, removing excess bone / cartilage, reshaping of the
remaining bone and cartilage. The significant intraoperative trauma
causes swelling (which may be asymmetric), which will make your nose look
large and wide. This will improve markedly over the first 6 weeks, but will
take at least a year for your nose to assume its final shape and size. The
nasal tip is notorious for taking the longest time.Swelling will come and go, as it is made up of tissue fluid. The extent of swelling depends upon your position (sleep with your head elevated), atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc. I am concerned, however, about the fluid eminating from your nose. Was it a one time episode, or is the fluid drainage continuing? If so, I recommend an evaluation as soon as possible to rule out CSF leak.Otherwise, swelling as a normal phenomenon following rhinoplasty and will abate over time. Patience is a virtue!
Continue followup with your plastic surgeon. If too far, see a plastic surgeon locally for followup care.
Best wishes...