Why is my nose still swollen 6 months after rhinoplasty?

Question

I just don't understand why it still swells up...its strange that after 6 months my nose still throbs, is there a reason to be concerned? I just thought that after two months tops it would be completely healed...its just strange to me that it would take a year for a nose to heal after surgery...I thought the body healed much quicker than that.

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

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 6 months following rhinoplasty, it is normal for tip swelling to continue to fluctuate. 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.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

It is not abnormal to have nasal swelling 6 months after surgery. In general, it can take up to 18-24 months to see the final result of rhinoplasty. 70% of the swelling is resolved after the first 3 months and the remainder goes down over time. I would recommend following up with your surgeon, as he/she knows the details of your procedure and will be able to advise you. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The healing after rhinoplasty normally will take at least 6-12 months, so it is not unusual to still have some swelling present 6 months after the procedure.  The tip of the nose especially takes longer for the swelling to resolve.  The swelling should be slowly improving though, so if you feel it is getting worse, you should contact your surgeon.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Dear diamond,
thank you for your question.It may take
several months for swelling to subside after rhinoplasty. Here in San Diego, we
follow our patients for one year to follow their healing. Consider following up
with your surgeon to monitor your progress and see if any intervention is
necessary. Rarely a second opinion may be in order. Best of Luck

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Your situation does not sound outside normal limits. The internal tissues of the nose can be reactive for many months after a rhinoplasty.  If you are concerned have your nose examined by your surgeon.

Why is my nose still swollen 6 months after rhinoplasty?

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Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose swelling several months after surgery

Answer: Nose swelling several months after surgery

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Why is my nose still swollen 6 months after rhinoplasty?

Answers (6)

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose swelling several months after surgery

Answer: Nose swelling several months after surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.