I have uneven nostrils 1 month post-op open rhinoplasty, is this just swelling? (Photo)

Question

I am one month post op after open rino and my right nostril is splayed and completely different shape then my left nostril! It's still a little sore in my right nostril is this uneven swelling?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  It is very normal to be swollen at one month.  In order to evaluate your nostril asymmetry, it would be helpful to see your pre-operative pictures.  I recommend that you maintain close follow-up with your surgeon.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photograph.  Although it is still early in your recovery, I would examine any preoperative photographs to see if there was any remote asymmetry in your nostrils before.  I would then follow up closely with your plastic surgeon as swelling subsides further. Good luck.Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPHHarvard-trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

It is far too early to assess your final results, as your nose will continue to change over the next several weeks.  Look at your preoperative photos to ascertain whether or not you had an asymmetry prior to surgery; relay your concerns to your surgeon as he or she will be able to provide you with an appropriate timeline to expect certain results.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear janetruby23,It is WAAYYYYYYYY too soon to be critically evaluating your rhinoplasty surgery.  Give it several more months and discuss it with your surgeon at that time.  He or she will probably tell you to give it a year.  Good luck!

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

As you have likely heard, it takes a full year (sometimes longer!) for the nose to completely heal and finish evolving after rhinoplasty. Give it time before you look for final results.

Sahar Nadimi, MD · Answer

It is still too early to determine what the final result of your rhinoplasty will be.  The majority of swelling after rhinoplasty resolves by about 4 weeks. That being said, there is still some swelling even up to 6-12 months. And it is not unusual to have asymmetric swelling. I would give it some more time and continue to follow all your doctor's postoperative instructions closely. Best of luck.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

That's a great question.  It's possible it's swelling, but since we didn't operate on you, it's impossible to tell you from a photo.  Only your own surgeon can give you a clear answer on this question.

David L. Cangello, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It is too early in the postoperative period to assess your results. Sometimes asymmetries even out after everything has settled. Without seeing preoperative photos I can not tell if perhaps you had some asymmetry before your procedure? I would keep close tabs with your surgeon and try to be as patient as possible during the healing phase. Best of luck to you.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Unless your surgeon altered your nostril base, it is likely that you had some asymmetry preop.  Some of what you are seeing is likely swelling as well.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

You are very early in the healing phase.  Follow up with your surgeon on a routine basis so he can monitor your healing.

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