Why does my nose look exactly the same after rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Question

Hello! Today is day 17 post-op and my nose is just the same bulbous nose that I had. I’m very disappointed and depressed at this point and I feel like nothing will change. When I asked my doctor if this round tip will go with time he said he doesn’t know because it depends on how my body responds. His answer made me even more depressed. My skin is thick oily and I know the swelling tends to be prolonged in this case, but why isn’t there any change at all in the shape of my nose? What do you think?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It takes at least 6-12 months to see result after rhinoplasty in fine details; patients with thick, oily skin do not respond to rhinoplasty as well as those with finer (thinner) skin and their recovery lasts longer. Try to be patient and not to judge result until at least initial swelling is gone.

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD · Answer

I have to agree with you that right now there seems to be not much change In your nasal shape compared to preoperative photos. However, I am quite confident that part of this is due to postoperative swelling, which is not unusual at 17 days postop. I think at this point you just need to be patient, let the swelling fully resolve and evaluate your results then.

Satyen Undavia, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. While I understand you are frustrated, please know that you are very early in your healing process. It is very normal to have a significant amount of swelling at this time. Between the one month and six months, you will have a significant reduction in that swelling and hopefully your nose will improve in appearance. Good luck!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

At 17 days post op you can expect a lot of swelling.  Stay in close contact with your surgeon so he can guide you through recovery.

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD (retired) · Answer

You were accurate when you said that your nasal skin is thicker and oily.  This will delay by several months how soon you may see a change in how the appearance  will reflect a surgical change.Please give it time, and good luck to you.Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

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Why does my nose look exactly the same after rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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