11 months post rhinoplasty. Can difference in definition be due to swelling or is this my final result? (photos)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty in January 2022. I notice one side of my nose looks more defined than the other. I had a crooked nose and for the most part it’s more straight but am not sure if the difference from each side is due to swelling still or if it’s the way my nose will be.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing photos. Results from rhinoplasty can take up to a year to be fully visible as the nose can continue to shift during this period, though much of the swelling is diminished within four months. 
You may consider discussing the issue with the surgeon who performed your rhinoplasty procedure. They will be able to determine if steroid injections are necessary to reduce any residual swelling or if dermal fillers can provide temporary symmetry. If you’re still unsatisfied with the results after meeting with your surgeon, a revision rhinoplasty may be required. Please keep in mind, however, that each subsequent nose surgery becomes more complex due to the loss of structural support and scar tissue. The importance of experience, expertise, and artistry cannot be overstated. I recommend scheduling a visit with your operative surgeon, or an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in rhinoplasty techniques. They will be able to discuss your concern with you and determine the best solution to help you reach your aesthetic goals.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your photos show a really nice result. I have seen swelling continue to go down for more than two years. Steroid injections can also be helpful and it’s worth asking you surgeon about it.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Swelling versus residual crookedness: by 11 months most of the nose should be quite settled in and most of the swelling gone except for some fullness of the tip in thicker skinned individuals. If a nose is crooked before surgery it is not uncommon for there to be some trace of residual asymmetry. So if The asymmetry you now have is a lesser version of the same kind of asymmetry you had before the surgery it may be because of that and not swelling.

11 months post rhinoplasty. Can difference in definition be due to swelling or is this my final result? (photos)

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11 months post rhinoplasty. Can difference in definition be due to swelling or is this my final result? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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