Help! Why is my Mid Bridge (Cartilage) Still SO Swollen 5 Weeks After Open Rhinoplasty-ONLY Had Tip Work Done? (photo)

Thanks for the question and the photos. The open rhinoplasty approach is a great tool for precise changes in the nasal tip. However, as part of this approach, the soft tissue is elevated up to the nasal bones.  Though the majority of the swelling that results goes down in a couple weeks, the rest can take a few weeks or more.  In some cases, massage, taping, or small injections of a steroid can help it along.  If these things don't work, make sure to see your surgeon often or seek a second opinion.
 

       If only tip work was done, it is reasonable to expect that other areas should return to preoperative state with time.  Open rhinoplasties usually have a longer period of swelling, and I would give yourself at least 6 months to a year.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question. As others have stated it is normal to have swelling of the area above the tip when only a tip rhinoplasty is done. This swelling should be decreasing somewhat by 6-8 weeks, but may take 3 months. Be sure to see her plastic surgeon and express your concerns. In some cases the upper portion of the nose may also need to be narrowed.