Uneven swelling 6 months post-op rhinoplasty or something else? (Photo)

Question

I had my rhinoplasty in June 2022. Initially about 1-2 months after my nose looked super cute and small, however at about the 5 month mark I wasn’t seeing anymore changes and it looked like my nose was more swollen. It looked like my nose was crooked so I went in to get steroid injections. Initially this really helped however now I feel like it’s back to looking crooked (and one side is more carved out than the other. Is this just uneven swelling (my nose wasn’t crooked before the surgery)??

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. As far as I can see from your photo, steroid injections might be help you temporarily. If you want a permanent solution I recommend you revision rhinoplasty surgery. If you can provide photos from front of your face, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best Regards!

Celal Alioglu, MD · Answer

Hello now it is very early to give decision for the second surgery because we can give a decision after one and half year

Behrad Elmiyeh, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (ORL HNS) · Answer

Many thanks for your questions and for sharing your photograph.
I appreciate your concerns. During healing process which takes one year, there will be resorption, scarring and wound contraction. Therefore, slight asymmetry and uneven surface is not completely unexpected. Sometimes during initial healing process, steroid injection can help reducing significant scarring and swelling but may result in greater resorption and a dent like appearance.
Even though you may find it difficult, you must remain patient and awaiting at least until 12 months after your surgery. Only then one can assess if you would require a revision surgery or perhaps a filler injection can provide the symmetry.
Best wishes,

Uneven swelling 6 months post-op rhinoplasty or something else? (Photo)

Answers (3)