Is it too soon to judge my nose?

Question

I just had a septo/rhynoplasty and its the second day. I notice that there is a large gap between my nose and top lip now, bigger than the initial photos I received from my Dr. I am wondering if this is only because of the swelling, and if it will loosen up and lower after a few weeks.

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

Please don't try to judge the results of your surgery too soon!You are still VERY early in your healing process and are retaining swelling. While most of your swelling will be gone around week 2, it can take up to a full year to see the final result. Give it some time and re-evaluate. Things will settle with time!As a rule, about 80% of swelling will be gone at 2 weeks and 90% will be gone at 2 months.It generally takes at least one year for the last bit of swelling to disappear; this does not usually bother the patient nor distract from the appearance of the nose. Rather, the elements of the nose seem to have improved “definition” as the last bit of swelling subsides. This is especially true in the tip of the nose.Feel free to read more about rhinoplasty recovery on my website!

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

It's too early to assess.   Your nose will change over months.  It's best to be patient and evaluate your result with your surgeon over the course of the year.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.It's too early to make value judgments with only two days after a rhinoplasty.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes, two days post op is way to early to worry about your final results.  Swelling and tape will make it impossible to judge what your nose will eventually look like.  You will need to wait at least a few weeks to get an idea of the shape and a few months to make any critical assessment.  Usually, 6 months to a year is required to assess details.  All the best!

Ivo Gwanmesia, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

At two days post, it is too soon.You need to wait at least 6 to 9 months before passing any judgement.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Way, Way, Way too early to see results.  Best to give it 6 months to a year for swelling to subside. In some cases even longer.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

You are very swollen at this time. Be patient with it. It takes up to one year for rhinoplasty result to finalize.  No reason to panic.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Swelling goes down hill. Your lip is collecting swelling and is enlarging.  All of this maximizes in the first few days.  It will get better after a few days so hang in there.

Kailash Narasimhan, MD · Answer

Dear bm21I tell patients that the changes after rhinoplasty can take nearly a year to settle.  It is not at all uncommon in rhinoplasty patients to have swelling 6-9 months, usually under the tip and above the dorsum.  Right when the splint is removed there is swelling the immediate few weeks because the cast has helped prevent edema.Only your surgeon will know what was done.  Patients with thicker skin will also have more swelling in the postop period. No major conclusions can be made on your nose usually at this time.Hope this helps and good luck!Dr Narasimhan

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear bm21,

Thank you for your clinical post.  Generally, rhinoplasty surgery, which is the
adjustment of the nasal bones and soft tissue cartilaginous tip takes 12 months
to fully manifest aesthetic results. 
Prior to that is too premature to judge the final outcome and certainly
to consider an enhancement.  I found,
however, on the rare occasions this is required injection rhinoplasty can
camouflage some of your underlying concerns and this can be done while you wait
for the 12 month period to present itself.

Good communication with your
operative rhinoplasty surgeon and reassurance and possible injection
rhinoplasty may be of some assistance.

Best of luck and I’m sure you’ll get an
excellent result.

To find out more, please visit the
link below. Also visit the sections on 5 minute nose job injection rhinoplasty.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Is it too soon to judge my nose?

Answers (10)

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