I have hard swelling on the left side after rhinoplasty. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I have developed a very hard swelling on the left side 3 days after a rhinoplasty whilst the cast was still on my nose. It hasn’t changed since and it’s the 14th day today. Moreover - the bridge between my eyebrows is also very hard and swollen which changes the whole appearance. I’m devastated especially that my surgeon said it may last for three months. I have no idea whether a swelling is normally hard or not and whether I can trust this doctor as he hasn’t been very informative.

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello!After reviewing your photos I do see swelling but nothing too concerning at 2 weeks post op. It truly takes 1 full year for the entire dorsum (profile) and sidewalls of the nose to fully heal and for all the swelling to dissipate. Rhinoplasty healing is a tedious process because it is one of the only surgeries where we are not removing excess skin. It takes 3 years for the tip to fully heal (only if significant tip work is performed). The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it is the thickest skin of the nose. The skin over the profile is thinner than the skin over the tip. Healing takes time, so be patient and continue icing. icing is key to help with the swelling!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It's still too soon to tell what your final results will be. You need to have patience with your body as it begins to heal. The skin, bone and cartilage are all traumatized during surgery. Inflammation (swelling) is the normal response and will help your nose to heal and look beautiful in the end. If, one year from now, you are unhappy with your nose, then that is the time to think about a revision procedure. Right now, concentrate on other things you like to do and let your nose take its time to heal. I hope this helps.

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
With any nasal surgery, the name of the game is patience. At one week, we would expect you to have quite a bit of swelling and bruising still noticeable and may have trouble breathing out of one or both nostrils. By the end of two weeks, typically, you will still be swollen but look more like you have a bad cold, rather than post surgical. Swelling can take up to a year to be completely gone, however, by 9 weeks you will look very good and should see big difference from your pre-op pics.

I have hard swelling on the left side after rhinoplasty. Is this normal? (Photo)

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