Nose swelling hasn’t changed 3 months post op rhinoplasty. It's more swollen and rock hard. Does this happen to others? (photos)

Question

Hi, I’ve just left my plastic surgeons for my 3 month check up, and she was stunned when she saw my face. We took our normal photos, and she said my nose actually looked more swollen than it did at my 1 month post op appointment. She touched my nose and it’s rock solid. She said normally at 3 months we start to see some definition, but my nose still looks like a potato. She said I’m in the “abnormal group” of people whose body isn’t responding well to the inflammation. Does this happen to others

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your rhinoplasty. However, you are still early in your recovery process. This procedure involves the manipulation of the nasal bones and nasal cartilage, which then leads to an abundance of swelling. The swelling causes your nose to look big.It also misguides the results of your procedure. It takes a few months to one year for all the swelling to go down. Until then we can examine your final results. Be patient. Continue to go to your follow up appointments. If concerns persist, please contact a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question. What you are experiencing in not uncommon. The nasal tip takes the longest to heal. In about 3-4 months you should see an improvement. Final healing time can take up to one year. 
Best,
Gary Linkov, MD
Rhinoplasty Specialist
Manhattan

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Your tip cartilages will feel hard after a rhinoplasty and this can take many months to resolve.  You should notice gradual improvement and eventually your tip skin should have full sensation and be soft and supple.

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. This is an early stage of healing that changes from patient to patient and may last at least one year. The tip is the latest to recover. You may benefit of the certain massage techniques that has to be approved by your plastic surgeon. At this point you need to follow up with your doctor as he/she only knows you best. To find out more please click on the attached link.Best Regards

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The performance of rhinoplasty involves the separation of the nasal
bones and cartilages from overlying and underlying structures, fracturing
the nasal bones, removing excess bone / cartilage, reshaping of the
remaining bone and cartilage. The significant intraoperative trauma
causes swelling (which may be asymmetric), which will make your nose look
large and wide. This will improve markedly over the first 6 weeks, but will
take at least a year for your nose to assume its final shape and size. In general, 60-80% will resolve within 6 weeks with the remainder slowly subsiding over a period of 6-12 months. Some take longer...some take shorter. The
nasal tip is notorious for taking the longest time.
Continue followup with your surgeon.
Best wishes...

Nose swelling hasn’t changed 3 months post op rhinoplasty. It's more swollen and rock hard. Does this happen to others? (photos)

Answers (5)