Uneven swelling after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I had an open rhinoplasty 2 and a half weeks ago. He mentioned that while in surgery he found the left side of my nose (the right side in the first picture) was fractured. It looks like the tip on that side is indented compared to the other side, making it look crooked from the front. is this uneven swelling or something more permanent? My nose tip looks completely different when looking at it from both sides.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It's still too soon to tell what your final results will be. You need to have patience with your body as it begins to heal. The skin, bone and cartilage are all traumatized during surgery. Inflammation (swelling) is the normal response, which can be asymmetrical and will help your nose to heal and look beautiful in the end. If, one year from now, you are unhappy with your nose, then that is the time to think about a revision procedure. Right now, concentrate on other things you like to do and let your nose and under eyes take the time to heal. I hope this helps.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You may have slight asymmetry at your nasal tip, but 2.5 weeks is too soon to judge whether it may resolve. Certainly address your concerns with your surgeon, but we have seen minor tip and nostril asymmetry like yours disappear with healing. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

Swelling can make the nose look uneven soon after the surgery. However, since your chin is slightly deviated to your left it seems that your surgeon tried to ling up your tip with the chin.. In general it works better to line up the tip with the rest of the nose and the upper lip. There is some asymmetry in the nose bones as well and that is what your surgeon probably is referring to. Some of that could still be swelling. Please try to be patient and discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

Typically, the initial swelling after nose surgery subsides within two to three weeks. However, residual swelling, especially in the tip of the nose, can take about a year to resolve as the contour refines. Swelling can also vary through the day, being more prominent in the morning. Try and be patient as your nose will continue to heal over time.

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

As you have most likely experienced, changes occur over the course of rhinoplasty healing. At first, the nose looks too "fat" and too "up," especially at the tip. Most of the dropping happens early, but there can still be significant changes over the full year and beyond. Make sure and stay in contact with your surgeon and attend all follow up visits. Stay patient as you are still very early in the healing process.

Uneven swelling after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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