Is it normal for the nose to change shape after the cast has been removed?

Dear Stampella,

It is still very early in your healing process after rhinoplasty.  If it looked good after your cast removal, it should look good after it heals up.  The initial bulk of swelling takes about 2 weeks to come down, but the final result won't be permanent until about the six month mark.  There are also patient factors like the thickness of the skin which can delay healing.

As you heal, the skin will start contracting, or shrink wrapping, around your nasal skeleton.  So a little patience goes a long way.

Sometimes a course of oral steroids can help bring down the swelling a little more quickly, but that decision would have to be made by you and your surgeon. 

Best,

Nima Shemirani

It’s not unusual for patients to note swelling when their nasal splints are removed. The presence of a splint molds the nasal bones in place following rhinoplasty. It also helps to diminish swelling. For these reasons it’s not unusual for the nose to suddenly swell when splints are removed. It’s important to realize that this swelling is normal and resolves with the passage of time.
                Most patients will note significant swelling for about two to three weeks following surgery. After two weeks, most patients are able to resume their normal lives and go 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 the immediate post-operative period, nasal splints, elevation of the head, and ice can be used to minimize swelling. 

Hello,Yes, what you are describing is very normal after cast removal. Initial swelling takes much longer to subside unfortunately. It usually takes 1-3 years for the swelling to fully go down after a rhinoplasty. The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it is the thickest skin of the nose. The skin over the profile is thinner than the skin over the tip. Patience is required during this healing phase. Give it some time and in a couple months if you still don't feel confident consult your doctor.All the best, Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

In general, swelling after rhinoplasty takes months and months to fully resolve. You'll notice your nose is swollen at the moment, especially since you've just had your cast removed. The initial swelling may disappear after 2 weeks, but that doesn't mean you still don't have any swelling right now. You should wait at least a year before considering revision rhinoplasty.

Thank you for your question!



It is understandable that you are
concerned. Changes after rhinoplasties vary with every patient and what you are
experiencing is normal especially that swelling takes time to subside as it
masks the results of your surgery. After removal of cast, swelling dynamics tend to act as the tissue continues finding its way down the healing path.



It is important to keep in mind that it
is early to pass a judgment. Usually, a year is required before formulating how
your nose will be. Even then, your nose will keep shaping itself and to
complement your face for better results in the years to come.



My best recommendations at the moment
is to be patient, allow nature to take its course and edema subsides for better
results. There is no doubt that once the swelling subsides, more definition and
shape will be achieved and you should be happier with the results.



Also, it is important that you keep
communicating with your surgeon and work as a team together to achieve the best
results possible.



Congratulations on your surgery and
please remain positive!



Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

Thank you for your question. 
With any nasal surgery, the name of the game is patience. At one week, we would expect you to have quite a bit of swelling and bruising still noticeable and may have trouble breathing out of one or both nostrils. By the end of two weeks, typically, you will still be swollen but look more like you have a bad cold, rather than post surgical. Swelling can take up to a year to be completely gone, however, by 9 weeks you will look very good and should see big difference from your pre-op pics. I encourage you to stay patient. 

Thank you for the question! It's much too early to worry about your results considering that you had your surgery done about one week and a half ago.  At this point you are most likely experiencing post-op swelling, which is preventing you from seeing final results. Swelling may take 6 to 12 months to completely resolve. In the meantime, you may see contour irregularities. Give it more time for your nose to "settle." 
 An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your needs and obtain expert medical advice. Best of luck!

Hi stampella,

The nose may appear larger, bulbous, or swollen after rhinoplasty cast removal. Most of the swelling improves in the first month after surgery, with the residual swelling taking a year or longer to improve. Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon regarding any concerns you have. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki

 

It is true that if you do not like what you see as the case is removed there can be trouble ahead. True also that the skin will swell a bit as the cast or splint is removed. Still your nose should look OK though the definition may be temporarily lost. After six months things should sort themselves out again, and still the best is yet to come after the first year of healing. Be patient and stay the course.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd

It is very typical that the nose shape will temporarily change after splint removal due to swelling. What once looked great right when the splint came off will swell and look less defined within a matter of days. This is because the splint adapted the skin to the changed underlying framework. Not that this pressure is off, the tissue will naturally ballon up and look 'worse'. This will eventually improve but it is going to take months before the shape returns as the skin shrinks back down again.