After getting the splint off, my nose is getting bigger after Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had reduction Rhinoplasty to make the nose smaller. After getting the splint off, I was happy cause my nose seemed small but everytime now I look in the mirror it seems to be getting bigger. Is this normal and will it go down again?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The size of your nose is most likely affected by swelling at the moment. Swelling is common in the months after surgery, and will gradually subside. Keep your head elevated to keep swelling to a minimum. You should sleep with your head slightly elevated as well.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to note swelling when their nasal splints are removed.  The presence of a splint molds the nasal bones in place following rhinoplasty.  It also helps to diminish swelling.  For these reasons it’s not unusual for the nose to suddenly swell when splints are removed.  It’s important to realize that this swelling is normal and resolves with the passage of time.
  
            Most patients will note significant swelling for about two to three weeks following surgery.  After two weeks, most patients are able to resume their normal lives and go out in public.
  
            Swelling will persist in most patients for at least one year following surgery, with the nasal tip being the last site to experience resolution.  In the immediate post-operative period, nasal splints, elevation of the head and ice can be used to minimize swelling.
  
            It’s important to maintain good communication with your plastic surgeon.  Your surgeon should be able to reassure you and alleviate your anxiety.

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

Be patient. Rhinoplasty results can take time to become apparent.  The amount of swelling and how long it persists after rhinoplasty depends on several factors such as the surgeon's technique, open versus closed approach, whether the nasal bones were broken, and the number of prior nasal surgeries.
Patients in whom open rhinoplasty techniques were used, cases in which the nasal bones were broken, and a history of one or more previous nasal surgeries often will have more prolonged swelling.
The nose will look swollen or puffy for sevearl months and it usually takes a full year for the final result be apparent.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The swelling is temporary and usually takes 6-12 months to recede. There is nothing to do to make it go away faster than more time.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Dear Angel,
How long has it been since your surgery? You may notice some slight swelling that is more pronounced in the am, but this shouldn't be worse than the day you had your dressing removed.
Please visit your surgeon for a thorough examination, and photos. Seeing before and after pictures will demonstrate your progress.
I hope this helps, and best regards.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

One must always expect some degree of swelling and bruising after a rhinoplasty. The splint, since it compresses the soft tissue will keep some of the early swelling down. Once this compression is removed the entire nose can swell. Do not be discouraged, the swelling will gradually improve over the next few months. Other than ice and elevation there is not much you can do to speed the process along.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

The swelling you are concerned about is completely normal after having a splint removed. A full recovery from a rhinoplasty can take up to a year. Our body has to go through the healing process, so I would give it a good amount of time and attend every post op appointment. If it has been more than a year and you area still feeling that way I would recommend discussing it with the surgeon who performed your procedure. “Dr. D”

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Initially the nose does look smaller as soon as the cast comes off because of the compression the cast places on the nasal bridge. This does not allow fluid retention in the nasal sidewalls while the cast is in place. As soon as the cast comes off, fluid retention, lymphatic edema occurs over the tip and the bridge, which takes a full year to settle down and go away. It tends to take longer in thick-skinned olive and oily skinned people. If it happens in the tip, cortisone shots can be performed routinely to make the lymphatic edema go away faster.

Sirish Maddali, MD · Answer

It is a great sign that you were happy with the result when the splint came off. However, swelling in the nose is very very common after Rhinoplasty. I am not sure how long ago the procedure was done, but you will steadily see an improvement in the swelling in a few months. It may take 4 to 6 months for most of the swelling to diminish. Be patient and give it some time. Good luck.

Ricardo Izquierdo, MD (retired) · Answer

Swelling from rhinoplasty may take 6 months or more to fully resolve. In your particular instance, when the splint is removed any swelling that was controlled by the splint now fills your nose. What you saw immediately after the splint removal is approximately 80-85% of your final result. The remaining 15-20% of swelling will take the time mentioned above. Be patient. The nasal skin is thick and holds swelling for a longer time.

After getting the splint off, my nose is getting bigger after Rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

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