Swelling on Sidewalls & Tip Already Present As Cast Was Removed After Open Septorhinoplasty - Normal? (Photos)

Question

I had an open septorhinoplasty 13 days ago (hump reduction with osteotomy, tip narrowing/elevation/slight deprojection). When the cast was removed at 9 days, swelling was already present especially on my sidewalls & tip. Does this mean the cast didn't prevent swelling properly? It didn't worsen following cast removal & hasn't changed at all since. Does the swelling look normal? I'm particularly concerned about the lump on my left sidewall. I have thin-ish skin & didn't have much facial swelling.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

General rule is open rhinoplasty will have longer post-op swelling, and the more tip work is done the more the swelling.  Even though your face may not have a lot of swelling, the nose will.  The bump on the side could be small amount of blood and you should follow with your surgeon.  As your nose softens and looks less shinny, that's a sign that your swelling is decreasing.  Splints do not significantly alter swelling.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

13 days after septorhinoplasty is way too early to make any judgements about your long term results.  The temporary nature of the splint does little to help the long term swelling.  Give yourself at least a few months to assess the dorsum.  The tip may take a year or so.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Louis M. DeJoseph, MD · Answer

Two weeks after rhinoplasty is very soon after surgery and the whole nose will be somewhat swollen.  The cast and dressing merely provide support and don't prevent swelling.  At around the 4-6 month mark more realistic idea of result will come out.  Certainly address any and all concerns with your surgeon.

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

I would urge you not to be too worried about swelling at this stage.  The cast does not provide significant compression to prevent swelling--it merely serves to provide some protection to the nose externally.  As you approach the 3-6 months mark (for thin skin patients) you will have a more accurate picture of the long term form.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

All seems with in the normal range but best to have close follow up with your surgeon. Also address the "hump" on the left side.

Swelling on Sidewalls & Tip Already Present As Cast Was Removed After Open Septorhinoplasty - Normal? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: At this stage it is normal to have a lot of swelling

Answer: At this stage it is normal to have a lot of swelling

Answer: Swelling on Sidewalls & Tip Already Present As Cast Was Removed After Open Septorhinoplasty - Normal?

Answer: Swelling on Sidewalls & Tip Already Present As Cast Was Removed After Open Septorhinoplasty - Normal?

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Swelling on Sidewalls & Tip Already Present As Cast Was Removed After Open Septorhinoplasty - Normal? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: At this stage it is normal to have a lot of swelling

Answer: At this stage it is normal to have a lot of swelling

Answer: Swelling on Sidewalls & Tip Already Present As Cast Was Removed After Open Septorhinoplasty - Normal?

Answer: Swelling on Sidewalls & Tip Already Present As Cast Was Removed After Open Septorhinoplasty - Normal?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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