Is swelling almost a year post op normal? There is no shape whatsoever. (photos)

Question

Most rhinoplasty swelling seems to go down the 1st couple of months in patient photos but I am almost a year post op & I look like I just came out of surgery. Could there be an infection going on? Could I be allergic to suture or something left in my nose? Is this how my nose is going to stay? When I smile my nose becomes really wide. Didn’t have a wide problem or bulbous problem before.

Celal Alioglu, MD · Answer

Hello your nose looks good about swollen you need to wait but you don't need second Rhinoplasty surgery

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for rhinoplasty swelling to take 12-18 months to go away. I would see you surgeon immediately as there are other potential options such as steroid injection to help decrease swelling in the area. I would highly recommend seeing a board eligible or board certified plastic surgeon for a physical exam and accurate analysis with safe recommendations for potential surgical options. Best of luck!

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Swelling after a primary rhinoplasty should be mostly out by a year, but in Asian and other thick-skinned patients, it can be more like 18 months. However, to not improve much after the first couple of months sounds unusual. It may be scar tissue, or your skin's reaction to surgery causing it to not refine more (both of which can be managed if intervened upon in a timely way). The nose getting wide when you smile may just be alar flare though you would need to be examined for this. You should be seen by a rhinoplasty surgeon for further evaluation.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You appear to have thin nasal skin, so the majority of your nasal swelling should be resolved 1 year after rhinoplasty. Up close photos are difficult to evaluate. Consider Re-asking your question with full face photos. Thank you. Dr Joseph

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Good Afternoon! I do see the swelling you're referring to. If this was your first rhinoplasty, much of the swelling should be gone around 12-15 months. In thicker skinned patients, I find it critical to use steroid injections and taping in addition to low salt diets to help the skin contract over time. If the area of fullness fluctuates with heat for example or gets better at times, it is likely to be swelling. If not, it may be something like cartilage which is too prominent or scar tissue. This would require a revision to correct. I would re-visit with your surgeon to discuss your concerns to see what can be done. Hope this helps!

Is swelling almost a year post op normal? There is no shape whatsoever. (photos)

Answers (5)

More Asian Rhinoplasty Questions

Visible silicone nasal implant 1 year after Asian Rhinoplasty?

How can a retracted columella that resulted from a rhinoplasty be fixed? (photos)

I'm new to the Asian rhinoplasty research. What do you think is the best procedure method for me? (photos)

Would diced cartilage block blood vessel?

Social vape 3 weeks prior to procedure - will I still be okay to have my Rhinoplasty?

Asian rhinoplasty, tip and alar - what is the most suitable surgery for me? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS