Swelling Worse at Night?

Question

I am 15 days post op (rhinoplasty/septoplasty). after getting my cast off my nose was bigger than before, but over the week it's been de-swelling. I was wondering though, the swelling appears to get worse at night and resolve during the day. Is this normal?

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Yep, that's entirely normal.  Because you lie flat at night, your body fluid redistributes.  It increases in your head and your feet shrink!  When you're upright during the day, the opposite happens - ankles and feet swell, and your head shrinks.  After rhinoplasty, because of the inflammation of normal healing, the effect is exaggerated.  

	It will happen for a few months, then it will go away.  

	 

	All the best

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling of the nose after rhinoplasty is normal. This will take many months to resolve completely. Be patient and good luck.

Stuart B. Kincaid, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

It is very normal to have more swelling at night. You will be able to see your final results after 6-9 months.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Sapphire, Please give your nose some time to heal and the swelling will start dissipating over the next few months to an entire year. It is not uncommon for the tissues to swell after the splint removal. I would suggest watching your salt intake and sleep elevated with several pillows behind your back to help alleviate the swelling. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.

	This is very typical.  Swelling builds up when your head is not higher than your heart.  So sleep with two or three pillows.

Swelling Worse at Night?

Answers (5)