Why is my Nose the Same Size Two Weeks After an Open Rhinoplasty?

The final results from a rhinoplasty take time to become apparent. The nose undergoes significant changes in the first 2 to 12 weeks following rhinoplasty. The swelling gradually dissipates over the first several months and thus the appearance of the nose changes gradually.
* When the cast is removed after one week, the nose will look swollen.
* Usually by the end of the second week, the swelling and bruising have subsided enough that the casual observer will not readily notice that the nose has been operated on. Usually the nose will look large to the patient at this point.
* To the patient, the nose will look swollen or "puffy" for several months.
* By about 3-4 months, the majority of the swelling will be gone but will look larger in photographs.
* It can take as long as a year for the final shape to become apparent
If you have any questions as to whether your nose is healing at the appropriate rate, schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon.

It’s not unusual for patients to experience significant nasal swelling following rhinoplasty. This swelling can cause the nasal size to appear unchanged or even larger than it did pre-operatively. Most patients will note severe swelling for 2 to 4 weeks following surgery.
                Several factors including the use of open rhinoplasty, fractures of the nasal bones, thickness of the nasal skin and a previous rhinoplasty have been associated with prolonged swelling.

                Swelling will persist in most patients for at least one year following surgery, with the nasal tip being the last site to experience resolution. For this reason, revisional rhinoplasty should not be undertaken for at least a year following the original procedure. In the immediate post-operative period, nasal splints, elevation of the head, and ice can be used to minimize swelling.

                It’s important that you maintain good communication with your surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to reassure you and alleviate your anxiety. 

Hello,Yes, the swelling will subside in the upcoming months and your nose will be smaller. It usually takes 1-3 years for the swelling to fully go down after a rhinoplasty. The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it is the thickest skin of the nose. The skin over the profile is thinner than the skin over the tip. Patience is required during this healing phase. Give it some time and in a couple months if you still don't feel confident consult your doctor.Best of luck,Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Two weeks is way to early to be concerned about the results of a rhinoplasty.  I do open rhinoplasties for the most part and I feel that one disadvantage is a longer time for swelling to subside in the tip.   It may take a year or longer for the final result to emerge.

Donna, it is quite normal for your nose to be swollen 2 weeks following rhinoplasty. If the goal of your surgery was to make the nose smaller in size, then it is reasonable that your nose looks somewhat similar to the original shape and size. You should begin to notice progressive improvements day by day and week by week.

I tell my open rhinoplasty patients to expect resolution of 70-80% of the swelling by 2-3 months out from surgery. This is just a general guideline that helps put things into perspective. In the meantime, try to avoid salty foods that can make the nose look temporarily more puffy. Increased activity and sweating can also give the illusion that the nose is more swollen. Hang in there - what you describe does not sound out of the ordinary.

Thanks for your question and your update to your progress.
I agree with the other surgeons. Rhinoplasty can take months to a year for the swelling to resolve. The tip is usually the slowest to find its final shape. This seems consistent with your post-op course.
To answer your last question, most patients do not need revision Rhinoplasty but in any case, I would wait at least one year before considering any additional surgery.
I hope this helps!

Rhinoplasty results are specifically related to the length of time after surgery, the amount of tissue edema, and the structural modifications performed.
Although the general size and dimensions of the nose are obvious after surgery, the final results will take several months to manifest.

First and foremost, be sure to talk to your surgeon about the swelling and size. After all, only he or she has examined you and can give you a better idea of what to expect in your particular situation.
That said, two weeks post-op is still very early in the healing period. Particularly if a patient has thick skin or is simply prone to swelling (everyone's different), the final contour will take a long time to appear.
As a general rule of thumb, I tell my patients that on average 60% of the swelling will resolve by six weeks, 85-90% by three months, and final contour by one year (longer for thick skin, longer for more aggressive changes to the nasal proportions, etc.). Even still, there is quite a broad range across individuals, but the point is that it takes time.

I agree with Dr. Rand that the swelling will take time to subside, even a year or more. I also find that if you have thicker, olier skin, it may take a bit longer for the swelling to improve. Finally, I find that with an open rhinoplasty technique the swelling sometimes takes a bit longer to subside versus a closed technique. Both give excellent final results in experienced hands, but don't be surprised if it takes several months to see the final result.

Thank you for your question. 
With any nasal surgery, the name of the game is patience. At one week, we would expect you to have quite a bit of swelling and bruising still noticeable and may have trouble breathing out of one or both nostrils. By the end of two weeks, typically, you will still be swollen but look more like you have a bad cold, rather than post surgical. Swelling can take up to a year to be completely gone, however, by 9 weeks you will look very good and should see big difference from your pre-op pics.