Is it possible for the wings or alar to remain swollen after 3 months?

At three months, there is undoubtedly some residual swelling as it takes up to a full year, and sometimes longer, for all of the swelling to resolve after rhinoplasty. Keep in mind that frequent follow up appointments with your surgeon during the year following surgery is very important. Only your surgeon will be able to determine what changes are due to swelling versus a postoperative healing problem. Thanks for sharing your question and good luck!-Dr. Harmych

Swelling after rhinoplasty can take a year and sometimes longer to settle. Best of luck with your results.

Great question.  Swelling after rhinoplasty can last for quite a while.  Although most of the swelling resolves within the first 3-6 months, some of the swelling remains for even up to a year.  One of the best ways to monitor this process is to take weekly photos at the same time of the day in the same type of lighting.  When you go through these photos you can prove to yourself that either swelling continues to improve or the process has stabilized.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Thank  you for your question.  Swelling depends on numerous factors, including skin thickness, amount of dissection done and extent of skin excision (in the case of alar reduction) and can take months for it to subside.  I would have regular follow up by your plastic surgeons to see if steroid injections or massage may help. As you may know, most swelling takes up to 1 year to subside.  Good luck, Dr. Bublik.