Is my nose going to deproject and get smaller? (Photos)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty 6 weeks ago to refine the tip and deproject my nose which was longer on one side than the other. After the surgery my nose was at least twice as big as before from swelling. Now, it is still bigger than before and as long as it was before. One side is still shorter than the other. Is it possible that my nose will be as long as it is now after the swelling goes down and is it going to be as bulbous. I am so Upset. The doctor overlapped and stitched to de project he says.

Jonathan Cabin, MD · Answer

Hello EXTREMELY BULBOUS TIP (love the name)
I'm so sorry you're experiencing this swelling. Although it doesn't help how you feel right now, take comfort in the fact that this swelling is NORMAL at this stage.  Although for some patients, swelling may be significantly reduced at 6 weeks, other patients will have noticeable swelling for several months before the nose settles. How much swelling and how long it lasts depends on several factors - including your skin type/anatomy, the specific surgery, the length of surgery and the grafts used. Also - its not clear whether this is your first surgery - but revision rhinoplasties swell a lot more than first time rhinoplasties. Swelling can also be uneven, with one side looking a little bigger than the other until everything settles down. I know its hard to wait, but patience is key so make sure to give at least one year before making conclusions about your result.
There are some potential interventions that can potentially help reduce the swelling. This includes lifestyle interventions, like taping the nose at night and sleeping at an angle, to specialized interventions, like ultrasound/light treatments, cryotherapy or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Depending on your specific situation, a course of steroid pills and/or steroid/5FU injections can help. None of these interventions work for every patient, so be sure to speak with your doctor regarding treatments.
Hope this helps! Best, Dr. Cabin

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling is common after rhinoplasty so your tip will continue to decrease in size as the swelling subsides. Be careful to avoid any pressure that could put pressure on your face or cause damage to your nose. Keep in mind it will take up to a year for your new nose to fully finish the healing process and settle on your face. Always consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! I know the immediate phase after a procedure can cause some anxiety. Try to hang in there, and remember that healing from a rhinoplasty can take up to 16 months to fully-recover. Patients can sometimes see a "change" in their nose almost daily for a certain period of time. Be patient, and make sure to reach out to your physician whenever any questions come up as they can help to coach you through the "what to expect" phases of healing from a rhinoplasty. Be well!Dr. Todd Hobgood, MD

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

The emotions you are experiencing are very common after rhinoplasty.  Be patient and your tip will shrink and deproject.  This may take more than a year, but your nose will change significantly over time.  Best of luck!

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Very difficult to provide you feedback on your nasal aesthetics without seeing your entire nose; although your nose appears bulbous it may just be swelling; Please provide entire nose and face so that we can provide you more accurate advice.

Is my nose going to deproject and get smaller? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal tip swelling

Answer: Nasal tip swelling

Answer: Bulbous tip or swelling

Answer: Bulbous tip or swelling

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is my nose going to deproject and get smaller? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal tip swelling

Answer: Nasal tip swelling

Answer: Bulbous tip or swelling

Answer: Bulbous tip or swelling

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.