Nose still swollen 1.5 years after rhinoplasty. Will this go away on its own? (photos)

Question

My nose continues to grow after my rhinoplasty. I do have oily and thick skin, but I thought I would see more improvement with time. I have not seen improvement since the cast removal. I’ve noticed the tip gets bigger if I work out, but the swelling never goes down after. The tip is hard, could this be scar tissue? If so, is there any chance it will go away on its own? I have included pictures. Any advice would be helpful! Thanks in advance!

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Anyone's nose can get a little bigger during a workout, and then come back to its baseline. If the tip is hard, it's almost certainly cartilage now, and now residual swelling that is destined to leave later on.
The way you saw your nose "grow" after the rhinoplasty is probably because it seems from these photos that your tip has dropped. 
If you consider having a revision, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. For example, elevating the tip of the nose in a revision requires advanced techniques, requiring skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. For most noses, it's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon and how to tell whether your first surgeon should be performing your revision.
Your nose is also a perfect example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. I always email morphs to my online rhinoplasty consultations. When you see the surgeon's goals in the morphs, you'll know whether he has an eye for an attractive nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes an attractive nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are large enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. How would you ever get that figured out without the morphs?! 
But remember, you're not the surgeon for his skills with the computer. The doctor must then show you his before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.
In your case in particular, you need to find a surgeon who has the technical skills to handle revisions, and how to elevate the tip, and match the height of the bridge to the new position of the tip. Again, that's where the morphs can be very useful.

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi,As it has been more than one year over your surgery, a revision for failed  Rhinoplasty can be performed, to improve the shape and  function of nose.By Closed&Atraumatic technique Rhinoplasty can achieve your look for better, well proportioned.Best Regards,

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,I would recommend following up with your surgeon as your nose heals to ensure the best outcome.Good luck! @drdonyoo @asianrhinoplasty

Nose still swollen 1.5 years after rhinoplasty. Will this go away on its own? (photos)

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Nose still swollen 1.5 years after rhinoplasty. Will this go away on its own? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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