10 weeks post op Rhinoplasty, I still have pain. Is this normal?

Question

I had open rhinoplasty 10 weeks ago to remove a bump and to reduce the overall size of my nose. 10 weeks on post swelling the bump is still visible. Also this area is very painful, for example when I dry my hair or shower the air/ water hurts that particular area. Also I cannot blow my nose, the action of pinching the nostrils together is very painful. Is this normal after 10 weeks?

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

Photos would be very helpful in answering your question.  In general, you should expect swelling at 10 weeks after a rhinoplasty.  Communicate your concerns with your surgeon and give it more time.  Good luck
and be safe.John T.
Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking, it can take 6 to 12 months to completely heal after surgery. Please keep in touch with your surgeon or his/her clinical team to discuss your ongoing concerns.

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, It is always concerning to patients when they develop pain after a rhinoplasty surgery. Typically, patients report very minimal pain even within the first week of surgery. Pain is often described as mild and can be treated with mild pain medications. As you noticed (and what I tell my patients) is that the congestion is probably the most uncomfortable aspect of nasal surgery. If you are experiencing pain at 10 weeks after surgery, i would recommend getting this assessed by your Surgeon. Its unlikely that you have an infection this long after the procedure, but you need to make sure. I hope everything works out for you as I am sure it will,Dr James P. Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSCOtolaryngology - Head and Neck SurgeonFacial Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryAssistant ProfessorUniversity of Ottawa

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

In general, most patients will have some level of discomfort when touching their nose in the months following rhinoplasty. Depending on how extensive the procedure was can affect how long some of these areas remain tender. If a large bump was removed from your nose, it is normal for it to be mildly tender and will likely resolve with time.  As the nerves regenerate that supply sensation to the skin, especially the nasal tip in an open rhinoplasty, this can cause a strange sensation when exposed to extremes of temperature.  As the nose heals the structures will soften and you will be able to pinch and blow your nose normally. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

In general, patients do not have pain with Rhinoplasty recovery.  Usually, pain indicates a problem.  See your Plastic Surgeon to confirm that you are healing normally.  Best wishes!

10 weeks post op Rhinoplasty, I still have pain. Is this normal?

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Answer: 10 weeks post op Rhinoplasty, I still have pain. Is this normal?

Answer: 10 weeks post op Rhinoplasty, I still have pain. Is this normal?

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10 weeks post op Rhinoplasty, I still have pain. Is this normal?

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Answer: 10 weeks post op Rhinoplasty, I still have pain. Is this normal?

Answer: 10 weeks post op Rhinoplasty, I still have pain. Is this normal?

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