How Can I Help Reduce Columella & Tip Swelling Post Rhinoplasty?

As you have mentioned, one of the drawbacks of open rhinoplasty is prolonged swelling of the nasal tip.  In the early postop period, several measures are used by surgeons such as sleeping with the head elevated, cold compresses and oral steroids in order to try and minimize the swelling.  After the first 1 to 2 weeks, these measures do not provide any measurable benefit and it becomes a matter of time to allow for the normal healing processes to proceed.  Steroid injections can be used for isolated areas of prominence starting at 3 to 4 weeks but are not without risk such as dermal atrophy which can result in permanent contour deficiencies.  They should be used with caution.

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS, FRCSC.

 

 

 

The swelling is still going to take some time to go down after your rhinoplasty. At this point, sleeping position or dietary changes will not make much difference. 

Sometimes, injecting a small amount of steroids into the swollen regions can help the swelling to resolve faster, particularly if you have thick skin.

Talk to your surgeon to see if that might be an option for you. Otherwise, hang in there and give it time.

Best wishes,

-Dr. Jamil Asaria, FACE Cosmetic Surgery, Toronto