Concerned 6 months post surgery. Does this look like swelling? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I had rhinoplasty just over six months ago and my nose still looks really big. Im hoping i still have some swelling and it will come down,but from what ive read most of the swelling should of come down, even though it will take a year i more to see the final result. The photo i have attached is from today. Does this look like swelling? Is it possible that i just have too much cartilage to ever have a slim nose?

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.From the photos I can say that you have swelling. It can be due to your skin because you have thick skin. If you provide more photos before the surgery, I can make a better evaluation. Best Regards!

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

It is possible to still have some swelling at 6 months post op, however you are correct that most of the edema should have subsided by now. It is possible that the combination of skin and cartilage remaining in your nose is too thin to be able to be thinned any more than it already has. That being said, many patients may notice a fairly profound change in tip swelling between 6mos and 1 year, so I would not make any final judgements until the one year mark.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @glgazza32, thank you for your question. Yes, there seems to be swelling present. As a result of many factors, the healing process can take as long as a year so is best to have a little patience and follow your specialist recommendations. For more information and recommendations, it is prudent to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Especially if your tip is very firm to the touch. A swollen nasal tip after rhinoplasty feels firm for many months. Consider reasking your question with both before and after photos. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

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

Hello! At 6 months, there's still swelling present. I tell my patients that swelling can last 10-15 months depending on the extent of work done and thickness of the skin. If steroid injections haven't been performed, that may be a good start. Additionally, nightly taping helps to reduce the swelling and mold the nose. If there's no improvement past the above time period, then you may very well have excess cartilage, skin thickness, or scarring. I would continue to follow-up with your surgeon to see what can be done to improve the swelling. Hope this helps!

Concerned 6 months post surgery. Does this look like swelling? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal tip swelling is common 6 months postoperative...

Answer: Nasal tip swelling is common 6 months postoperative...

Answer: 6 Months Post Rhinoplasty

Answer: 6 Months Post Rhinoplasty

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Concerned 6 months post surgery. Does this look like swelling? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal tip swelling is common 6 months postoperative...

Answer: Nasal tip swelling is common 6 months postoperative...

Answer: 6 Months Post Rhinoplasty

Answer: 6 Months Post Rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.