Nose getting bigger 3 weeks post Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty around 3 weeks ago, and the splint removed 2 weeks ago. My nose is bigger and more bulbous now than it was 2 weeks ago? Is this normal? It looked much better in the first few days after the cast was removed. Now 3 weeks later when I'm assuming more swelling should have gone down, I am liking the result less.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It is very normal to be swollen at three weeks postoperative.  The dorsal aspect of the bridge of the nose will usually decrease earlier than the nasal tip swelling.  Nasal tip swelling can sometimes take 6-12 months to fully resolve.  I advise patients that the final result of rhinoplasty takes 12 months.  I recommend that you return to see your surgeon, as he/she will have a good idea of what to expect in regards to your specific progress, since they can evaluate you in relation to your preoperative appearance.Best wishes and good luckRichard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained Plastic Surgeon

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, dml71992. Your nose sounds swollen. You are enduring the typical healing process and you will be in the recovery phase for the next 12 months post op. I suggest you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon to understand the recovery timetable and expectations.Best wishes,

Jordan Rihani, MD · Answer

It is normal that there is some increased swelling after the splint is removed. If you liked your nose the first few days after the splint came off, that should be a good sign that you should like things as the swelling starts going down. You still have somewhere around 20% of swelling present in your nose, which will go away gradually to 10% at 2 MONTHS and gradually disappear over the rest of the year. Be patient and follow up regularly with your surgeon to address your concerns as they arise.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling of the nose is quite common and expected after a rhinoplasty. While a lot of the swelling will resolve over the first 4-6 months, there is often residual swelling for a year or longer.

Nose getting bigger 3 weeks post Rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

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