Nose Very Crooked 3 Weeks After Rhinoplasty, Is This Normal?

It is not uncommon for the appearance of the nose to be greatly affected by swelling just a few weeks after rhinoplasty. The nose will not always swell symmetrically, which may be the cause of the asymmetrical, or crooked, appearance. Just know that it can take up to 2 years following a rhinoplasty for all swelling to subside and the final result to be evident.

In general, straightening a crooked nose is a very difficult procedure. It is not always possible to get the nose 100% straight, but great improvements can be made. Swelling after rhinoplasty can give the appearance of asymmetry and irregularities. 70% of the swelling is resolved after the first 3 months, and the remainder goes down over time. 3 weeks is still very soon after surgery, and you still have a good amount of swelling. I would recommend giving it some time and see how you continue to heal. Your surgeon should be able to answer any questions you have in the meantime. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

This early after rhinoplasty, it is premature to be concerned about the final result.

 

 

 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

It can be extremely difficult to make the nose completely straight. Mild crookedness is acceptable as long as it is not obvious to anyone except you and your doctor. Extreme crookedness will certainly need to be crooked. By now enough swelling should have gone down that you can assess the degree of crookedness. Discuss this with your surgeon and get a second opinion as well. Regards
Dr. J
Disclaimer: This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Your nose may look crooked after rhinoplasty due to asymmetric swelling. As time passes you should see this gradually improve.