Can swelling hide results of an alarplasty?

Question

I had rhinoplasty done to reduce both tip and nostril size about a month ago. When I got the cast off I thought the tip looked perfect but it’s so swollen now it looks the same as before! Will it go back to the way it was after cast removal or smaller? I also had a weir excision done I think (incisions on both where the nostril meets the cheek and inside) but it looks the same as before? I compared it to my pre op photos and measured it compared to my eyes. Is it swollen? Will it get smaller?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It might be swelling or it is possible the surgeon was conservative in the nostril reduction.  You should wait for all the swelling to subside.  The surgeon can always go back and reduce the nostril further if needed and this can be done under local anesthesia in about thirty minutes.  I’ve had to do this a few times.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

You have to give yourself some more healing time.  Your nose and surrounding areas are going to be swollen for a while and you should be consulting the surgeon that performed the procedure but give yourself some time before going back in so some of it can subside. It can take up to a year for final results.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  At one month, you are still swollen.  Hopefully, this will show significant improvement in the coming months.   I recommend
that you maintain close follow-up with your surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Swelling at one month is guaranteed. Your nose will continue to improve in definition and decrease in swelling over the next several months to a year. Many times, your nose appears even larger than before due to swelling so if you look the same now, it is a good sign that your nose will become smaller sooner than later. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Peyman Solieman, MD · Answer

Estesan it is very typical for your nostrils to look relatively similar after you first have surgery, especially if you were not looking for a serious change. Over time this swelling should reduce and you should see the change you were expecting
All the best

Can swelling hide results of an alarplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: One month swelling

Answer: One month swelling

Answer: Normal swelling

Answer: Normal swelling

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

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

Can swelling hide results of an alarplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: One month swelling

Answer: One month swelling

Answer: Normal swelling

Answer: Normal swelling

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

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