Recovering from Minor Rhinoplasty Revision

Question

I am just shy of 3 weeks post-op. I had a minor revision in which the doctor removed a very small amount of cartilage from the bridge of my nose to make it smaller and removed some excess scar tissue. Should I still expect the swelling to last for up to a year? Also, should I only expect to see swelling on the part of the nose that was operated on, the bridge? Or, is it normal for the entire nose to be swollen?

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

Although a revision is minor and focused in nature, it may still take about 1 year for swelling to resolve so that you can fully appreciate the changes. Although one area in specific may have been addressed, you may notice that adjacent areas appear swollen as well. These will also take time to settle.

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

Even with minor work there can be fairly prolonged swelling. A lot of the swelling is related more to accessing the area. Even with using all hidden incisions swelling will develop in the area of dissection and surgery.

	Obviously, there shouldn't be as dramatic swelling as with more extensive surgery. Your surgeon should be able to guide you as to the swelling in your case.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Three weeks post surgery is still very early for you to judge the results of your surgery - swelling can last up to a year or more, even with a minor rhinoplasty

Adam D. Stein, MD · Answer

It is normal to get swelling even from a "minor" revision rhinoplasty procedure.  Sometimes it can even be quite extensive.  It could swell where the work was performed or on the nose in places where seemingly nothing was done.  Although in most cases a minor revision creates less swelling that persists for a shorter time, that is not always the case.  Sometimes it can still take entire year for all the swelling to subside and healing to take place.  Be patient and hang in there.  Good luck.

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Each person is different. If what you had was minor as you say it will likely resolve faster then a full surgery. Don't be worried however if it does persist longer. You just can't control how the body responds.

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Recovering from Minor Rhinoplasty Revision

Answers (9)

Answer: Swelling after minor revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after minor revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

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