Is it normal for my nose to be bigger, one nostril larger than the other, and a crooked than when I got my splint off? (photo)

Question

I had a deviated septum, very swollen turbinates, a bone spur on the side of my nose near the top from a an injury, and 70% blockage in each nostril. I had septoplasty, turbinate reduction, & rhinoplasty on June 17. My nose looks bigger than when it looked when the took the splint off. One of my nostrils is bigger than the other and my nose looks crooked. I'm stopped up, and can't blow my nose yet though. Scabs still there.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

There are several issues in your description. Firstly, it is completely normal for the nose to be swollen for several weeks after a rhinoplasty. The nostril size needs to be compared to your pre-operative pictures in order to get a baseline for comparison. The congestion you are experiencing is expected from the intranasal work. Please consult with your surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Great question.  You are still early in your recovery, and the swelling is quite normal.  The appearance of your nostrils will even out once the swelling goes down, which can take several months.  You had a lot of work done, so the congestion is going to get better with time.  You could try a nettie pot to alleviate some of the congestion after you get your internal splints out, if you have them.  All of the symptoms you are having are normal, and will subside as time goes by.  Hang in there, and good luck with healing.   Check with you surgeon of course!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Due to swelling there can be significant asymmetries of the nose after rhinoplasty. Nasal airway obstruction can be problematic due to swelling as well. Both of these issues should improve as swelling subsides. It's too early to pass judgment on the outcome of the operation.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

UR early in recovery following rhinoplasty and it is not uncommon that once the splint is removed nasal swelling can definitely increase.Your ability to breathe through the nose should improve over the next 4-6 weeks as the swelling subsides.As to the asymmetry of your nostrils, please ask your plastic surgeon to show U your preoperative photos.  In my experience the asymmetry of the nostrils is usually caused by a preoperative asymmetry and not surgery.

Is it normal for my nose to be bigger, one nostril larger than the other, and a crooked than when I got my splint off? (photo)

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