3 Weeks Post Op : Crooked Nose or Uneven Swelling?

Lindsay,

It is too soon to determine what the final outcome of your rhinoplasty surgery will be.  Swelling resolves in stages and after 6 weeks from surgery about 75% has resolved.  It is the final 25% that can take up to year.  It is this final 25% that can also be frustrating for patients because if the swelling is asymmetric, your nose may look crooked when in reality it could end up being straight.  I have had many patients contact me for revision rhinoplasty because of perceived imperfections or crookedness to their nose within the initial healing period- surgery performed by other plastic surgeons.  In most cases, I will refer them back for follow up with their surgeons and wait out the healing process.  The worst thing one can do is go in to try to fix a nose that doesn't need a correction.  Be patient with the healing process.  There can be no harm in waiting, only in rushing in and doing a second surgery prematurely. 

Once the year is up and healing is complete, it would be helpful to see pre operative photos.   If your nose was crooked before surgery, most likely it will never be fully straight as this is rarely possible.  It would be a good idea to compare your pre and post results.

Good luck and remember, be patient.

Sincerely yours,

Ran Y. Rubinstein, MD

Your nose appears to be slightly to the right; however, if you are only 3 weeks out from surgery, this could very well be swelling. I tell my patients that between 3 weeks and 8 weeks the nose changes quite a bit, sometimes day to day. The best thing to do is not to worry to early and allow the swelling to subside. If you are concerned, talk with your plastic surgeon about the asymmetry. Good Luck.

Hi. Three weeks after surgery is very early to judge if it is related to surgery or from uneven cartilage versus uneven healing. You would be best served by being patient and waiting for 6 months before a final diagnosis and determination can be made.

Best wishes,

Dr. Sajjadian