Why does nose keep changing shape after rhinoplasty?

Question

The nose looks droopy some days and straighter on others. I think its swelling but i don't know.

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks for reaching out.  The nose tends to hold in to swelling longer than many other body parts.  It swells asymmetrically and the swelling resolves asymmetrically.  So the shape appears to change a lot during its post op period.I hope this helps :)

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.

Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

What you are describing is very normal!  The swelling can be very positional, so some days your nose might appear slightly crooked to one side. Another day it may be crooked to the other side. The swelling can also come down asymmetrically, but can remain for up to a year in rhinoplasty.  Be patient, your swelling will settle down soon.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing is a process. It takes time and requires patience.  Swelling abates the same way.  If you eat more foods containing sodium, then you will swell more.  Swelling is not asymmetrical. Depending on your sleep position, it can change.  Expect the full healing to take up to a year.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Your nose may look a bit different as you heal because of swelling. You have to give it a good year to settle completely.

Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

Initially for the first year or so after surgery, swelling is responsible for many of the shape changes. As this dissipates there are fewer day to day or weekly changes in appearance. Salty foods, alcohol, and hormonal changes (ie menstrual cycle), contribute to these fluctuations.

Long term changes to the shape of the nose (ex 10 years), are due to internal scar contracture pulling the skin and cartilage that may have been weakened as part of surgery. This is why proper techniques are important to preserve structure and strength when possible, to prevent unfavorable appearances later.

Why does nose keep changing shape after rhinoplasty?

Answers (6)

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