6 months post rhinoplasty. Can this be stubborn swelling and should I expect more definition in the future? (photos)

Question

Hello! I had a closed rhinoplasty 6 months ago in turkey. I have been patiently waiting for the full results. But im still unsure of the results ive got so far. My nose still looks the same, its still wide. When i press my nose on the sides i can feel that theres still a bone there. When i asked my surgeon he said it was stubborn swelling that just spread to the sides and the bone that i feel when i touch my nose is just swelling. Is it really swelling? Will my nose look more defined?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. When recovering from a rhinoplasty procedure, it's important to remember that the nose can continue to shift in shape and alignment throughout the following year. Though much of the swelling is reduced approximately 4 months after surgery, you’re likely still experiencing some swelling that will significantly impact your ability to see your final result.
I recommend scheduling a follow-up with the surgeon who performed your operation or scheduling an in-person visit with another experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in rhinoplasty techniques. They will be able to assess your concerns, oversee your recovery, and answer any questions you may have.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Hlloo123, thank you for your question. 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)

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Swelling and scar tissue after rhinoplasty: it does take about a year to see the final results after a rhinoplasty. The healing is quicker after a closed rhinoplasty then open. And the swelling and score tissue resolves more quickly on the upper half of the nose then in the tip area. So I would not make any judgments yet about the tip. However the skin of the bridge is rather thin and reaches its final look much quicker than the tip area. there will be some slight improvement in the bridge area , however at six months most of the end result is already there. In rare cases nasal bones may drift slightly apart after surgery. This may involve one or both of the nasal bones. If it involves both bones the bridge appears slightly wide but the nose looks straight. If only one bone drifts the bridge will look slightly wide and slightly crooked. I cannot tell from the photos if any widening of the nasal bones has occurred in your case. Some amount of scar tissue, which is referred to as “callus“ for bones is still present. So be patient and make your final appraisal in conjunction with your surgeon in about another six months.

6 months post rhinoplasty. Can this be stubborn swelling and should I expect more definition in the future? (photos)

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6 months post rhinoplasty. Can this be stubborn swelling and should I expect more definition in the future? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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