My Swelling Has Never Gone After Rhinoplasty???

Question

I had Rhinoplasty 20 years ago, but the swelling result of that has never gone! The amount of swelling is different each day. It's more on my tip nose and around my nose. So many years I took different exams, but all results were negative. then I gave up, but now when I have swelling around my nose, I look older. I need to do something. Before surgery my nose was longer, but after that it's short with no tip. I wonder if it might be a problem in lymphatic circulation? Please advice me.Thank-you.

Behrooz Torkian, MD · Answer

Hi Tara,

	While problems with lymphatic circulation, changes in blood flow, and long term scarring of the layers deep to the skin can be related to what you are experiencing, another potential cause has to be considered.

	You mentioned that your nose is "short with no tip".  This implies that an aggresive reduction of the structural framework of the nose has been preformed.  The end result of this may be a refined and "smaller" appearing nose, but in caes of excessive reduction, the skin and soft tissue cover of the nose may be left deflated.

	This deflation can result in more visible variation in the skin resulting from the numerous causes of facial skin swelling such as allergies, skin sensitivity to environmental irritants, sun exposure, sinus conditions and so on...

	I would suggest an examination with a rhinoplasty surgeon in your area to asses weather a revisional procedure to replace lost volume in the nose may help to have a more acceptable appearance as well as providing a strech of your skin to help even out the normal variations in skin and tissue swelling in your nose.  While there may be some swelling with a revision surgery, the end result may be therapeutic for the problem you are experiencing.

	Good luck,

	Dr. Torkian - Lasky Clinic, Beverly Hills

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very unlikely that the swelling is directly related to the surgery. However, your description of your nose leads me to believe that you had a reduction rhinoplasty involving modification of the cartilaginous framework. The skin can only contract so much around a reduced framework. Therefore, normal fluctuations in facial skin tone from dependent blood flow, dietary influences, or perhaps lymphatic flow, could be magnified somewhat. You should see an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon in person to evaluate your nose.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Swelling from a rhinoplasty goes away in 1 year. @0 years and it is still "swollen" means something else is going on since I have never seen this in 35 years of doing rhinoplasty revisions. See an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon for an exam and opinion.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

The swelling you are having is not due to the rhinoplasty. If it is actual swelling, is may be due to allergies or the food you are eating ( ex. high salt diet may cause the nose to swell). If its not swelling, it may be a fullness in your nose as a result of scar tissue, excessive cartilage, or a thickning of the skin.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I assume you are speaking about lymphatic circulation as I could not identify the term "lanphetic Circulation." It is more likely that you are experiencing scarring more than swelling. However, swelling could be due to a variety of causes including impaired lymphatic circulation associated with sinusitis or secondary to old scars. Lymphatic circulation can be improved with manual lymphatic drainage. You may want to attempt this under the supervision of a skilled massage therapist.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The fluctuations that occur in the nose after the healing process are related to fluid retention and scar formation. This is made worse by thick olive oily skin, salt intake, altitude air pressure changes, and hormonal changes. Occasionally, cortisone shots are placed in the thick oily skin, which can help manage the swelling and fluid retention.

Olivia Hutchinson, MD · Answer

Most swelling occurs immediately after rhinoplasty and gradually subsides with time, although this process may take several months, especially in the tip. If you are experiencing chronic intermittent swelling, you should seek in person evaluation to determine the underlying cause, although it may not be related to your initial surgery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I have never heard of a nose having intermittent swelling for over 20 years.  If a foreign body was used during your rhinoplasty perhaps this is infected, and causes a low grade inflammatory reaction?

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Thanks for the posting but I also have NEVER heard of this situation before. Seek in person evaluations to try to understand these issues. Best of luck.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

After rhinoplasty, swelling will resolve within the first week of the procedure. The stiffness due to healing will last about six months to one year. It is very unlikely that any swelling is present after 20 years, and perhaps a revision of your surgery is in order if you are unhappy with the result.
	Best of luck,
	peterejohnsonmd

RHINOPLASTY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

My Swelling Has Never Gone After Rhinoplasty???

Answers (11)

RHINOPLASTY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU