How long does internal swelling last after alar batten graft? (photo)

Question

I'm 6 weeks post op. The area where the graft (conchal) was placed is almost touching the other side of my nostril. Surgeon removed some sutures 1 week post op and that is when I noticed the swelling start to increase. At this point I've seen no improvement in weeks and I am very concerned. Is collapse possible? Scar tissue? I'm not due to see doctor again for another few weeks. See attached photo.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

In the nose, particularly along the lower lateral cartilages, Swelling can take a few months to resolve.  It has to do with the characteristic of the soft tissue - the overlying skin is very adherent to the underlying cartilage with poor lymphatic drainage, and the inside sits at the border of the lining of the internal nasal tissue and the hair-bearing "external" skin.  When patients get severe swelling, it can take quite some time for it to go down - I usually say 2-3 months, but it can take up to 6 (depending on your skin type, maneuvers performed, etc).  Hang in there.  Time will tell if you need anything to help fix your breathing, but for now, it is still too early to tell.  continue to keep your doctor in the loop such that any issues can be determined and taken care in a timely manner.  Btw, great shot of the inside of the nostril - that is particularly tough! Best of luck.  I hope some of this helps.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Melissa Hu, MD · Answer

Generally, the majority of the swelling in this region should resolve in 6 weeks. A good measure for persistent swelling is whether you see swelling externally in he nose. If there is persistent swelling and it is firm, this may be the cartilage graft. If it is causing problems with breathing (determined by your doctor with the modified cottle maneuver), you can generally expect that this will not significantly improve with time. The cartilage may have migrated or have been displaced if this is the case. This can only be formally corrected with a revision surgery.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

You may well still have swelling that is making the issue worse. I would wait at a minimum six months and possibly longer for a final evaluation. If the external cosmetic result is good and it does not interfere with breathing, I would not do anything about it.

George H. Pope, MD · Answer

It takes many months for swelling to completely resolve after a rhinoplasty, especially in the tip area, which cannot be compressed with a splint that first week after surgery.  Congratulations on posting should a good photo - it's really hard to show intranasal anatomy with photos.  But I can see exactly what you're talking about.  Batten grafts are used in this area to treat alar (lateral nostril wall) collapse on inspiration.  Had you had a previous rhinoplasty?  These are usually placed to correct collapse from a previous procedure.  At any rate, the swelling should eventually completely resolved, but we may be talking months here instead of weeks.  You don't mention if you have airway blockage on that side or not.  Be sure to keep all of your postop appointments. Best of luck in the healing process.

How long does internal swelling last after alar batten graft? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nares swelling post graft

Answer: Nares swelling post graft

Answer: Resolution of soft tissue swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Resolution of soft tissue swelling after rhinoplasty

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How long does internal swelling last after alar batten graft? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nares swelling post graft

Answer: Nares swelling post graft

Answer: Resolution of soft tissue swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Resolution of soft tissue swelling after rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.