Crooked nose implant or just swelling? (Photos)

Question

I had an Asian rhinoplasty using silicone implant and septal cartilage about 9 days ago and can't tell if the swelling is uneven or crooked implant. I took medrol for 1 week and swelling has gone down from splint removal (4 days post op). In mirrors It looks ok and like what I see but can't seem to take a decent pic of my nose without questioning if there is something wrong. Please help!

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Patients may experience swelling for the first 2-4 weeks that gradually subsides over that time period. After rhinoplasty, patients should not judge their results until at least the 3-4 month post op mark but keep in mind that it takes up to 12 months to fully heal from the surgery. Please discuss your recovery expectations with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.Best wishes,

Myung Ju Lee, MD, PhD · Answer

Because it has been 9 days after your silicone septal cartilage rhinoplasty,

swelling may still exist. It takes quite sufficient amount of time to heal

completely, so patience is needed. The shape of your nostril seems

different from each other on the right picture. It is recommended to ask a

surgeon who performed rhinoplasty if you have septal deviation. If so,

please ask and check up with the surgeon if he/she had straightened nasal

deviation before rhinoplasty. It is possible that implant may seem crooked if

the surgeon had performed silicone and septal cartilage rhinoplasty before

straightening nasal septum.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.

It's too early to make value judgments with only 1 week after a rhinoplasty.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.-

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

You are very early in your recovery period and the nose is expected to be quite swollen at this point.The swelling during this time is rarely symmetric. One side will always resolve more quickly than the other. The majority of the swelling will resolve in 3-6 months, and will continue to resolve as your nose heals for up to 1-2 years. You have not reached your final shape as the nose will continue to heal and reduce in size for up to a year. Once it does reach its final shape you may be more pleased with the appearance of your nose.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The swelling in the bridge of your nose will settle down within several weeks, and you may notice fewer asymmetries. Bring your concerns to your surgeon for additional reassurance. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Crooked nose implant or just swelling? (Photos)

Answers (5)