Why Still One Side of my Nose is More Swollen, 9 Weeks Post Rhinoplasty?

It is not uncommon after rhinoplasty surgery to have one side of the nose more swollen than the other side. No two sides heal at exactly the same rate. I would just keep careful follow-up with your rhinoplasty surgeon and if it does not improve, he/she can address it with you during the healing process.

Dear katia12Thanks for the question. Final result will take 12 months so it’s possible that you have some swelling. It’s better to consult your doctor to figure out level of swelling. I wish you all the best.

It’s not unusual for patients undergoing rhinoplasty to have asymmetric swelling. Several factors, including the use of open rhinoplasty, fracture of the nasal bones, thickness of the nasal skin, and a previous rhinoplasty have been associated with prolonged swelling.
                Most patients will note significant swelling for about two to three weeks following surgery. After two weeks, most patients are comfortable resuming their normal lives and going out in public.

                Swelling will persist in most patients for at least one year following surgery, with the nasal tip being the last site to experience resolution. In some cases swelling may be asymmetric. In the immediate post-operative period, nasal splints, elevation of the head, and ice can be used to minimize swelling.

Dear katia12 in uae:

Swelling after rhinoplasty is expected, and it is common to be more swollen on one side. Gentle massage can help soften and remodel the scar as it is forming, but time is on your side. The upper nose swelling usually resolves in a few months; however, it can take a year (or longer) for the swelling to fully resolve at the tip.

Keep checking in with your surgeon. The improvement will be gradual, so taking pictures periodically can help. If the asymmetry is increasing or painful, you need to see your surgeon sooner.

You will haveto be patient. Swelling can take 6-9 months to completely resolve and uneven swelling do happen depending on many factors.

Everyone heals a bit differently. It is certainly possible to have differential swelling after a rhinoplasty.

Dear katia:

 

The right and left sides of the nose do not heal at the same pace, one side may look more swollen at one point, just to have this reversed after several weeks. Eventually as the healing is complete, the two sides will even out. 9 wks post rhinoplasty is still very early in the healing process.

Be patient, things will settle with time, but be mindful that no one's face is the same on both sides. Minor asymmetries were probably there before your surgery and minor asymmetries will remain after the surgery.

 

Michel Siegel, MD

Asymmetrical swelling 9 weeks after rhinoplasty is common, particularly in the tip in a patient with thicker skin.  There is little you can do, except be patient.

I have performed Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and swelling can be significant at 9 weeks after a Rhinoplasty. We instruct all of our Rhinoplasty patients in proper daily nasal massage techniques to remove residual swelling of the nose. Ask your surgeon for advice on how to decrease your swelling. It is typical to have swelling for 4-9 months after a Rhinoplasty depending on the thickness of skin and how much the nasal structures were manipulated during the Rhinoplasty.

Hi,

It all depends why you're swelling. If you have some residual edema or fluid then massaging will help over time. If you are developing scar tissue then you may benefit from low dose steroid injections. Also make sure it's not residual cartilage to the like.

Best,

Dr.S.