Can asymmetrical swelling cause your nose to settle crooked? (Photo)

Question

4 weeks post op and have significant asymmetrical swelling. Can asymmetrical swelling cause the nose to settle crooked?

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

Swelling following a rhinoplasty may be asymmetrical and will not affect the outcome. However, structural asymmetry under the swelling will persist following resolution of the swelling. So if the appearance is not symmetrical after the surgery, it can result from either or both of the above conditions.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Please follow the recovery instructions provided by your board certified facial plastic surgeon. Your swelling should subside within a few weeks, and your nose should begin to settle at the 3-4 month post op mark. Please remain patient because you should be fully recovered at the 12 month mark.
Best wishes,

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

You're too early post-op to define the final result.  You must give it more time. If after 9-12 months -and you're still displeased - I would approach your Surgeon for options

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Blondie, The asymmetrical swelling that you see this soon post-op dissipates and will not cause the nose to stay to "settle crooked." In the coming months as the swelling resolves you will see changes to the nose weekly. If you have any questions or concerns make sure that you see your surgeon often so that you can go through the recovery process with peace of mind. See some examples in the video below of a patient two months post surgery and then one year later. See many before and afters in the link below. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Melih Erogul, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The performance of rhinoplasty involves the surgical separation of the
nasal bones and cartilages from overlying and underlying structures,
fracturing the nasal bones, removing excess bone / cartilage, reshaping of
the remaining bone and cartilage. The significant intraoperative
trauma causes swelling (which may be asymmetric), which will make your
nose look large, wide, and perhaps crooked. This will improve markedly over the first 6 weeks,
but will take at least a year for your nose to assume its final shape and
size. The swelling will not result in crookedness unless extreme.
Continue followup with your surgeon.
Best wishes...

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

You do have swelling 4 weeks after your rhinoplasty which is frequently asymmetrical and is temporary. You must be patient as healing progresses.

Can asymmetrical swelling cause your nose to settle crooked? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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