How long does swelling take for third revision rhinoplasty?

Question

I'm 7 months post op (almost 8) and my nose is still very swollen. This is my third revision. The tip of my nose has a boxy look, could that be due to scar tissues? Also i feel that i can't smell as well as i used too is that normal? Will i see my nose change dramatically with time or is this pretty much my nose?

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

At 7 months following a third revision rhinoplasty, you should be seeing most of the major changes in your nose from the most recent surgery. Recovery after rhinoplasty will vary based on the person, characteristics of the nasal tissues and what was done during surgery. It can take somewhere in and around 12-18 months to see the final results. Swelling can be more marked and prolonged after revision rhinoplasty; it can also be asymmetric. In addition, if you have thick skin, swelling will take much longer to settle. The areas with thicker skin in the nose such as the tip, alar rims and radix will require longer to settle. Also there appears to be a linear decrease in swelling for the first several months followed by a period where the swelling fluctuates (sometimes little or no swelling and other times more swelling) before the nose settles. With regards to nasal airflow, this usually improves within 3-4 months after surgery. Your sense of smell after surgery can be highly variable and unpredictable in how much it will improve. It is important to be patient during your recovery - it will take a while to see the final results. During your recovery, you should continue to attend your follow-up appointments where you can have the opportunity to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It is not abnormal to still have swelling 8 months after surgery, especially if your procedure was a revision. A boxy look can be due to swelling, but it depends on what was performed during surgery. If anything, the surgery can improve the sense of smell if the airway is opened. Sense of smell may be affected by:1) Allergies2) Congestion3) A narrow airwayYour nose will continue to change over time. It can take one year to see the final result. I would recommend following up with your surgeon, as he or she knows the details of your procedure and will be able to advise you. I hope this helps, and best of luck.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It can take up to a year or longer for swelling to diminish after a primary rhinoplasty. With each subsequent nasal surgery it can even take longer for edema to completely resolve. Sometimes taping at night is helpful - have your surgeon show you the proper technique

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

With a normal rhinoplasty, it can take 6-12 months for the swelling to resolve.  After revision rhinoplasty, this healing period can even be longer.  I would wait at least a year before beginning to judge the results of your third revision rhinoplasty.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

After revision rhinoplasty, the nose can stay swollen for quite some time. This might even be longer than after a primary rhinoplasty which can last up to a year and sometimes longer.

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How long does swelling take for third revision rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: How long for swelling to go down after third revision rhinoplasty?

Answer: How long for swelling to go down after third revision rhinoplasty?

Answer: Revision rhinoplasty and swelling

Answer: Revision rhinoplasty and swelling

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