Is it normal to be swollen 8 months after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I had rhinoplasty about 7.5 months ago. I had no complications and have been healing well. However, my only concern is that I have uneven swelling which causes my nostrils to look extremely uneven. The issue is I have a huge bump from edema in my nose and it hurts. Can you please advise me if that’s normal for 7.5 months? Should I be concerned?

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. After rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), the nose can become REALLY swollen, particularly around the tip, and this swelling can take a LONG TIME to resolve (up to 2 years to fully resolve). I would recommend that you continue to observe things for now. Unfortunately without being in the operating room at the time of your surgery, it is impossible for me to say how much of what you're observing regarding the asymmetry is due to the underlying structural framework vs due to soft tissue swelling. You are still only 8 months post-op, so ultimately you should still wait to see what your final results will be. I constantly remind all my rhinoplasty patients how important it is to be patient after rhinoplasty surgery as it can take up to 2 years to see what the final nose will look like. I hope this helps! 
Best, 
Dr. Donald Groves 
Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I'm not sure this is swelling.  It appears your medial cruras are widened and you may benefit from a revision of that to make the nostril more symmetrical.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Is it normal to be swollen 8 months after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (2)