I had secondary rhinoplasty with a rib graft. It's been a year and half. The nose still feels stiff. The appearance of the nose is still too big for my tastes. My doctor says I'm still swollen and that it will take 2-3 years before I will get a final result. Is this true? Do I have to wait that long before I decided if I should have it adjusted to make it smaller? Thanks.
May 16, 2018
Answer: Healing time with a Rib Cartilage Graft There is no question that a rib graft surgery takes longer time to heal and resolve the swelling associated with the procedure. However, 1.5 years is approaching full resolution. If there are subtle issues, I would encourage you to wait. If you are more concerned about the appearance, then I would suggest discussing this with your doctor to determine the appropriate next step. With a rib graft, you will likely always feel your nose to be somewhat stiff. Best of luck, Vincent Marin, MD San Diego Plastic Surgeon
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May 16, 2018
Answer: Healing time with a Rib Cartilage Graft There is no question that a rib graft surgery takes longer time to heal and resolve the swelling associated with the procedure. However, 1.5 years is approaching full resolution. If there are subtle issues, I would encourage you to wait. If you are more concerned about the appearance, then I would suggest discussing this with your doctor to determine the appropriate next step. With a rib graft, you will likely always feel your nose to be somewhat stiff. Best of luck, Vincent Marin, MD San Diego Plastic Surgeon
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July 24, 2019
Answer: Healing time after rib graft rhinoplasty
There should not be any swelling a year and a halft after rhinoplasty. What your doctor probably implies is that the rib cartilage may slightly resorb with time thus decreasing the fullness of your nose. The degree of cartilage resorbtion is unpredictable, and the fact whether it actually resorbs or not is still debatable. So, if the size of the graft is not a big bother and you are willing to live with it then do so. On the other hand, if you are trully unhappy, then consider a revision(either downsizing the cartilage or replacing it altogehter).
Helpful 5 people found this helpful
July 24, 2019
Answer: Healing time after rib graft rhinoplasty
There should not be any swelling a year and a halft after rhinoplasty. What your doctor probably implies is that the rib cartilage may slightly resorb with time thus decreasing the fullness of your nose. The degree of cartilage resorbtion is unpredictable, and the fact whether it actually resorbs or not is still debatable. So, if the size of the graft is not a big bother and you are willing to live with it then do so. On the other hand, if you are trully unhappy, then consider a revision(either downsizing the cartilage or replacing it altogehter).
Helpful 5 people found this helpful