My nose looks the same 17 days post op rhinoplasty. Will it get better? (Photo)

Question

My dorsal bone was fractured and all, now it is EXACTLY the same as before. Do I have hope that it will be better? Should I start saving for revision surgery and when can I have it?

David Tauber, MD · Answer

The postoperative time for most rhinoplasty patients is
often fraught with trepidation. During a rhinoplasty, the skin and soft tissues are
often completely separated from the underlying bone and cartilage framework. The
framework is modified and the skin is laid back down. These are big movements
that are often intended to create millimeter changes to the shape of the nose
once it heals. After a rhinoplasty the nose swells from the trauma of surgery
and the tissues become edematous. This makes the normally pliable skin firm and
causes the nose to take on a “weird” appearance in the first few weeks after
surgery. The nose continues to settle over the next few months as the edema
finally escapes and the soft tissues adapt to their new underlying framework.
It will take 6 months to a year to see a final result. Close follow-up with the
surgeon is essential. Assuming there is no infection, patients should allow at
least 6 months for the swelling to resolve and the tissues to soften before
contemplating any changes. At that point, a detailed exam and discussion will
help delineate the best treatment option.

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

After a rhinoplasty there is swelling in the areas where the surgery was done, if you had a dorsal hump, and it was removed, then there will be some swelling in that area, and in average after 1 month, about only 50 to 60% of the swelling is gone, and takes 6-9 months for the swelling to go away. Also a diet with too much sodium, will make you retain water and that also can give you more swelling. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and be patient to see the final results.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question and for sharing your photos. At 17 days postop from rhinoplasty you should still have a considerable amount of swelling. Some areas of the nose (tip and dorsum) may even appear larger than they did prior to surgery. That being said, you and you surgeon are likely the only ones who would notice this swelling. It takes at least one full year to completely heal after rhinoplasty. So, at this point patience is the key. Remember to follow up with your surgeon regularly.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Soo early in post op phase!!! Best to allow 6 to 9 months healing before a revision can be done.......

Humberto Palladino, MD, FACS · Answer

Two weeks is too early to assess the result of rhinoplasty. Your nose is likely swollen at the dorsum making the nose look about the same. Full recovery takes about a year and revisional surgery should be consider one year after rhinoplasty. You might not need it and in about 3-4 months you will have a better idea of the final result. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your concerns. I am sure he/she would like to know about this. Best to you.

Michel Siegel, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The old dogma that there is swelling after surgery is true, however swelling after hump removal should show a nose that is swollen evenly, the overall  nose should appear bigger, BUT without the hump. There is a simple test you can do at home. Push on the hump for about 30 seconds, if there is swelling the area should flatten out, just to swell once you have removed your finger. In this case the hump you are seeing should disappear with time. However, if the hump stays there once you remove your finger, it means not enough bone was removed, and the hump will remain.

My nose looks the same 17 days post op rhinoplasty. Will it get better? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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