Can my nose still be swollen as I'm 9 month post rhinoplasty and the tip still big? (Photos)

Question

I had rhinoplasty 9 month ago but my nose tip is now twice the size it was before, can it still be this swollen? I’m considering another surgery is it best to wait a full year.

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

At nine months post surgery, most swelling should be gone. What you are looking at now is not so much swelling but rather scar tissue due to unfavorable healing. My recommendation is that you seek the help of a rhinoplasty surgeon whether it be your old surgeon or you trust someone else to consider a revision. A revision a would certainly enable the surgeon to give you a much prettier, more attractive, and softer look. Good luck.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. Unfortunately, it can take up to a year or even longer for swelling to subside fully, particularly in the nasal tip. Patience is one of the greatest challenges for rhinoplasty patients, but it is absolutely necessary to ensure the nose has ample time to heal before considering any additional surgery. I recommend waiting until the one year-mark to pursue any type of revision procedure. In the meantime, you could certainly schedule a follow-up with your surgeon to discuss your healing and ensure everything is progressing as it should.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Celebrated146497,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Behrad Elmiyeh, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (ORL HNS) · Answer

Thank you for your questions and for sharing your photographs.
Swelling around the tip of the nose is usually the last thing to settle and will take 12 to 18 months, only then you would be able to see if you require any treatment. I appreciate that it is frustrating, but I am afraid you need to be patient  before one can assess any further surgical intervention particularly that a revision surgery carries significantly more risks.
I would advise you that you consult with your surgeon. He/she is in the best position to advise you as only your surgeon knows the findings during your surgery and what techniques and suture materials were were used during your operation.
Best wishes,

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Tip swelling after rhinoplasty: swelling of the tip after rhinoplasty typically takes at least a year to resolve. In people with very thick skin it may take more like two years. By nine months enough of the swelling should be resolved that your nose looks thinner than your preoperative nose though not its final best. I cannot believe that your nose tip is twice the size that it was preop. I think you just are seeing it that way because you are understandably getting frustrated and impatient. In any event I would not consider any additional surgery until at least a year has gone by. Sometimes a dilute dose of a Cortizone injection to the tip area can speed up the resolution of the scar tissue and swelling. If you had an open rhinoplasty the scar tissue and swelling takes longer to resolve then if you had a closed rhinoplasty. In any event try to be patient. Some additional improvement should occur.

Can my nose still be swollen as I'm 9 month post rhinoplasty and the tip still big? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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