Should I be concerned about continued swelling at 6 months at tip of nose? (Photo)

Question

I am at 6 months post closed rhinoplasty and have some swelling at the end of my nose. I am Caucasian and have poor collagen synthesis so I dont think I have thick skin. There is swelling above the tip (see side angle) and also one nostril looks smaller than other (my left nostril, right side in photo) due to continued swelling on the tip on that side only. Should I explore a steroid shot at this point? I also attached the photo of what my nose looked like immediately after rhinoplasty.

Osman Halit Cam, MD · Answer

According to the pictures it is a minor deformity. It is not clear that if it is a pseudoedoma due to nostril asymmetry or an eudema causing a nostril asymmetry. With these considertions I recommend to wait 1st year post operatively in order to conculde a final decision. I do not recoommend a steroid therapy at this time.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

Have you discussed these concerns with your plastic surgeon? Your surgeon has access to the operative report, and only he or she knows what happened in surgery and what might be causing the swelling. I do see that your skin appears to be oily and a bit thick, and at just 6 months post op, it is normal for someone with your anatomy to have residual swelling at the tip of the nose. A physical exam would be necessary to determine if you would be a candidate for a steroid injection. I strongly encourage you to continue to see your original surgeon for at least the first year postoperatively, as it can often take up to 12 months for the nose to fully heal and for the swelling to diminish

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hello. It is very normal to have swelling at the tip at 6 months post-rhinoplasty. It usually takes a full year for healing, and the tip is the last area for the swelling to go away. I would give it some time to see how the healing will affect your final result. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear j539n888,
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

Should I be concerned about continued swelling at 6 months at tip of nose? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Should I be concerned about continued swelling at 6 months at tip of nose? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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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.