Worried my nose is not healing great 3 months post- op. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

Hi. I had a rhinoplasty to straighten my crooked nose. I didn't really want him to do much of anything to the tip. He told me no one should be able to know I had a nose job. But 3 months later my tip is still very boulbous, as well as leaning to the side when I smile. I feel like there's extra skin or something. I feel it looks unnatural and very big. I am really hoping the tip will look like it did before the surgery!! He did an open rhinoplasty. Please give me your honest opinions!!!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

It is expected to have persistent nasal swelling three months post-rhinoplasty, especially in the lower third of your nose.If you're not comfortable with the opinion of your surgeon, you may consider getting a second opinion. Digital photos are not a substitute for an examination, but your nose looks swollen in the photos you posted - and all swelling eventually dissipates.Hope this is helpful.Dr Joseph

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

At 3 month, you are still pretty early in your recovery period and the nose is expected to be quite swollen at this point.The swelling during this time is rarely symmetric. One side will always resolve more quickly than the other. The majority of the swelling will resolve in 3-6 months, and will continue to resolve as your nose heals for up to 1-2 years. You have not reached your final shape as the nose will continue to heal and reduce in size for up to a year. Once it does reach its final shape you may be more pleased with the appearance of your nose.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

In the first few months after rhinoplasty, you are still in the early stages of recovery. A majority of the swelling will go down in this period of time, depending on a few factors:1. Revision cases may have more swelling2. Extensive cartilage grafting may have more swelling, especially rib cartilage.3. Thick skin will take longer to settle down4. Heat/Sun/Salt/Strenuous activity will increase swelling.As the swelling goes down, it may happen on one side before the other. And the tip (even if it was not changed in surgery) is always the last area to refine and show its result.It's important to discuss with your surgeon the recovery process. Be sure to keep all of your follow-up appointments as this is the best way to optimize to reach a safe and happy outcome.

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

I would give it three more months at least to judge your tip shape as swelling of the tip can last for a long time. you should try to avoid eating salt to avoid tip swelling in the meanwhile.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question but you are still too early post op to judge your final result but express your concerns to your surgeonDr Corbin

Worried my nose is not healing great 3 months post- op. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (6)