Nose Getting Bigger After Cast Removal?

    It is not unusual to experience increased swelling after the cast is removed.  I frequently retape patients from weeks 1 to 2, but the swelling is self limited and will resolve.  In the closed rhinoplasties that I have performed, most people (other than the surgeon and the patient) cannot tell that a surgery has been performed even 10 days to 2 weeks after surgery.

At this point in time in the recovery process, it's very common to have some swelling take place. It's a good idea to also visit your plastic surgeon to make sure there is no infection in your nose.

One week is still very soon after surgery, and you are experiencing swelling. The final result may not be evident for 18-24 months following your procedure. In general, 70% of the swelling is resolved after the first 3 months and the remainder goes down over time. Using 5-Flourouracil combined with kenalog is a great option for reducing post-operative swelling if necessary. There are some possible side effects that may occur such as white spots on the skin and indentation. But I have performed hundreds of these injections with no complications. I would recommend speaking with your surgeon to see what he/she advises to reduce some of your swelling. Thank you and best of luck with your recovery!

Part of the reason we place splints after a rhinoplasty is to help control swelling.  As a result, it can be normal for the swelling to increase a little bit after the splint is removed.  If you are concerned about the amount your swelling has increased, I strongly recommend that you contact your plastic surgeon and I am sure he/she would like to make sure everything is well.

 

With regards to your question of how long swelling can last after a rhinoplasty, I tend to tell my patients that roughly 60 percent will be out at 6 weeks, 80 percent at 6 months and 90 percent at one year.  As a general rule, you will not see the final result until approximately 2 years post-op.  Good luck.

Swelling can increase after the splints come off as the pressure of the splint is eliminated.  The swelling should then begin to subside starting a couple weeks afterward.  The degree and pace of swelling resolution depends on your skin thickness and the specific maneuvers performed during the surgery.  You should wait several months to a year before forming your long-term assessment of the results.  Best of luck.