18 months post rhinoplasty and nose still swells / chords in hot weather or after exercise: need honest opinion.

Question

Hello Drs, I am 18 months post open tip rhinoplasty (tip work only). I am happy with the result but my nose continues to be very sensitive to heat (swelling, chording, etc..) My surgeon says my nose looks great and that what I am feeling has nothing to do with the surgery . These fluctuations are creating a lot of anxiety for me. I have made a habit out of icing my nose all the time. Need honest opinion. What is causing this and will this go away in time? I have never had allergies. Thanks. SL

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

Without pictures it is difficult to answer this question. If this did not occur before the rhinoplasty, then it is likely related. Please note, that this happens to people that have not had a previous rhinoplasty. I have seen this before in some patients with thick skin. Patients with thick skin can sometimes take a very long time to heal. Yes up to 18 months or more. It is rare, but it happens. I would ask you to have patience. I don't know if ice compresses will help you, but if they do, there is no harm in using them. They will not prevent this or speed the healing process, but will help at the time it happens. This should all end one day, I just can't tell you when it will happen.

Jason Altman, MD · Answer

At 18 months you should be fully recovered from your surgery and most, if not all, of the swelling should be resolved at this point.  It would be very unlikely that heat or temperature changes would cause any swelling visible on the outer portion of the nose.  The lining of the nose may be temperature sensitive - and there are some nasal sprays available that may help with this.

Scott Shadfar, MD · Answer

Hello Stephlh, Thank you for your question. Without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of any further treatments it is difficult to be comprehensive.Are you having visible swelling that others can see as well or is this the sensation of the nose being swollen.It is not uncommon to have redness or engorgement of the tissues that have been operated on especially the nose after exercising.  The length that this would last is variable. I would take photos of the swelling and show this to your surgeon.Best of luck, DrS

18 months post rhinoplasty and nose still swells / chords in hot weather or after exercise: need honest opinion.

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18 months post rhinoplasty and nose still swells / chords in hot weather or after exercise: need honest opinion.

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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