Swelling 2+ years after septorhinoplasty

Question

Male, mid 30s, 6ft, 12 stone. I am 2 years and 3 months post surgery and I still have swelling in my nose after septorhinoplasty. The swelling has reduced somewhat, since surgery, but still significant. When I tilt my head forward, or shake my head a little, I can feel "heaviness" in my nose. Also, when I wake up in the morning, my nose is larger, getting smaller as the day goes by. Why do I still have swelling after 2+ years, is there anything I can do about it? Thanks.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Over the last 25 years, we have had several patients that have experienced fluctuating swelling like you describe for longer than one year postoperative period. It is a bit peculiar to have significant swelling over two years after rhinoplasty. Consider asking your surgeon if he used permanent stitches to perform tip plasty. Occasionally, people can be sensitive to certain sutures, and this can result in inflammation and fluctuating swelling. If you do have permanent sutures, I would not recommend removing them surgically. I believe that your swelling will eventually go away. For a more definitive answer, please consider meeting with a reputable rhinoplasty specialist for an opinion of your condition. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question!
As far as I can understand from your question It is not possible to make an assessment without examination. It would be better to consult your surgeon.
Best regards!

Sean Saadat, MD · Answer

Hi, although it’s hard to say without photos or knowing the exact technique used in the procedure, it would be very rare to have continued swelling over 2 years later. There is going to be general fluctuation in skin thickness based on salt intake, hydration etc but post operative swelling would be fully resolved by 2 years. The only thing to consider is if any foreign material (implants, plates, screws) were used you’ll want to be seen to evaluate for an underlying inflammatory or infectious issue. Otherwise it may just be the baseline of your nose now. Hope that helps

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At two years after rhinoplasty surgery, the results have been final for quite some time. This is no longer swelling, but simply the results of the procedure.
Unless you’re unhappy with the outcome and need revision surgery, there’s no intervention needed or necessary.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Swelling 2+ years after septorhinoplasty

Answers (4)