2 Months Post-Op Rhinoplasty and Swelling

After rhinoplasty, tip shape is typically the last thing to settle before seeing the final result; this can take 12 months or longer. During this time you will notice that the size of your tip decreases as swelling resolves and subtle details and tip definition appear. At 2 months following rhinoplasty, you are still very early in your recovery. With regards to your concerns about the size of your nasal tip, it is just too early to draw any conclusions-but certainly you still have a lot of swelling which is normal. Recovery after rhinoplasty will vary based on the person, characteristics of the nasal tissues and what was done during surgery. It can take somewhere in and around 12-18 months to see the final results. The areas with thicker skin in the nose such as the tip, alar rims and radix will require longer to settle. Also there appears to be a linear decrease in swelling for the first several months followed by a period where the swelling fluctuates (sometimes little or no swelling and other times more swelling) before the nose settles. It's hard but important to stay patient during your recovery and to be diligent attending your follow-up appointments with your surgeon.

It’s not unusual for patients undergoing rhinoplasty to have prolonged swelling.  Several factors, including the use of open rhinoplasty, fracture of the nasal bones, thickness of the nasal skin and a previous rhinoplasty have been associated with prolonged swelling.
            Most patients will note significant swelling for about two weeks following surgery.  After two weeks, most patients are comfortable resuming their normal lives and going out in public.

            Swelling will persist in most patients for at least one year following surgery, with the nasal tip being the last site to experience resolution.  In the immediate post-operative period, nasal splints, elevation of the head, and ice can be used to minimize swelling.

Dear mona in chicagoThanks for the question. Final result will take 12 months so it’s possible that you have some swelling. It’s better to consult your doctor to figure out level of swelling. I wish you all the best.

Hello,It usually takes 1-3 years for the swelling to fully go down after a rhinoplasty. The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it is the thickest skin of the nose. The skin over the profile is thinner than the skin over the tip. Patience is required during this healing phase. However, an anti-inflammatory can help with the swelling. Another alternative is a steroid injection. Consult your doctor to see if both of these are good options for you.All the best, Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

In general, swelling after rhinoplasty takes months and months to fully resolve, and the tip usually takes the longest to recover from swelling. In addition to the fact that you have thick skin, this may delay swelling as well.  

Thank you for your question!



It is understandable that you are
concerned. Changes after rhinoplasties vary with
every patient and what you are experiencing is normal especially that swelling
takes time to subside as it masks the results of your surgery.

It is important to keep in mind that it
is early to pass a judgment. Usually, a year is required before formulating how
your nose will be, but longer with a thick skin. Even then, your nose will keep
shaping itself to complement your face for better results in the years to come.



My best recommendation at the moment is
to be patient, allow nature to take its course and edema subsides for better
results. There is no doubt that once the swelling resolves, more definition and
shape will be achieved and you should be happier with the results.



Also, it is important that you keep
communicating with your surgeon and work as a team together to achieve the best
results possible.



Congratulations on your surgery and remain positive!



Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

I read your concern. Your tip will retain swelling the longest. The majority of post-surgical swelling of your bridge is likely gone now, but your tip will remain swollen for 6-12 months after your rhinoplasty Surgery.

You may want to ask your surgeon if a steroid injection might be helpful for you.

Regards from NJ.

Everyone is different but in general most of the swelling is resolved in the first few months. However, in patients with thick skin it can take much longer to see the final result. I have had patients with thick skin continue to have changes well beyond a year after surgery.

Dear Mona,

You are right, most of the swelling after rhinoplasty should be down by now, but for some people it may take up to 6 months.  Since you have thicker skin, it takes a little longer for the skin to redrape over the nasal skeleton.  If you still have a bulbous or broad tip at 2 months, I think it would be safe to get some kenalog (anti inflammatory steroid) injections to help speed up the healing process.  I would make an appointment with your surgeon and bring up these concerns. 

I think you'd be happier if you heard it from him/her, and get some steroid injections.

Best,

Nima Shemirani

In my experience, thick skin patients sometimes appear swollen for longer during this recovery. The tip itself is the slowest part to settle and heal completely, so it can easily take 6 months to a 1 year before your final result is reached. Sorry to hear that things don't look the way you want, but it may still get there in the next year! stay positive!
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group