Is It Normal for the Nose to Look Better (Smaller and More Refined) After the Cast is Removed Than 2 Weeks Later?

Question

Had a closed rhinoplasty almost 3 weeks ago and upon the removal of the cast my nose looked perfect. The next day my nose was significantly more swollen and continued to swell over the next few days (Mostly around the bridge and tip) Now my nose is larger and less refined and doesn't look as good as it did the day of cast removal. Will it return to the way it looked that day?

Jason Lichtenberger, MD · Answer

If you were happy with your nose right after the splint came off, you will most likely be pleased with your results in the long run as well. The splint will compress any swelling, but when it comes off the nose will look wider and less defined. Do not worry, this swelling is only temporary and most of the swelling is gone in a month. All the best.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

This is very common. The cast compresses the tissues of the nose to keep swelling down, and when it is removed the swelling can no longer be controlled and it can dramatically appear. This swelling can take months to subside, with the tip being affected for the longest.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

The splint acts as a garment and squeezes the soft tissues.  Once the splint is removed then the soft tissue tends to swell.  So this is a normal response after rhinoplasty.

Richard Dale Reynolds, MD · Answer

The external splint resists edema or swelling in that area. It is not uncommon after removal to see swelling. This will resolve but takes time. It can take a full year but it usually looks very good at 6 weeks.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The swelling is variable after rhinoplasty surgery and certainly after the removal of the splint, the nose can look more swollen. You really have to give it a good 6 months to a year to see the improvment.

Is It Normal for the Nose to Look Better (Smaller and More Refined) After the Cast is Removed Than 2 Weeks Later?

Answers (10)