Uneven swelling? 10 weeks post revision rhinoplasty. (photos)

Question

I had a revision rhinoplasty 10 weeks ago. The nose is still swollen. However 10 days ago I noticed that my columella appears to be a bit crooked and nostrils look uneven. It wasn't like this before surgery. And it wasn't this way a month ago. I'm not sure whether this issue is permanent or its just uneven swelling.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question and photos. At 10 weeks post-op, there is a large amount of swelling still present; this can create the appearance of asymmetry and irregularities. In general, 70% of the swelling subsides after 3-4 months, and it may take 18-24 months to see the final results of surgery. Swelling after surgery can be due to the following:    
  
Whether the procedure was a      revision
  Whether the procedure was open      or closed
  Whether tip work was performed
  Thickness of the patients’ skin
 I would recommend keeping in touch with your surgeon, as he/she is familiar with the nature of your surgery and can advise you during the healing process. I hope this information helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling can be asymmetrical after your revision. You have to give yourself some more healing time.  Your nose and surrounding areas are going to be swollen for a while and you should be consulting the surgeon that performed the procedure. However, give yourself some time before going back in so some of it can subside. It can take up to a year for final results.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

This can be typical. You need to have patience with your body as it begins to heal. The skin, bone and cartilage are all traumatized during surgery. Inflammation (swelling) is the normal response and will help your nose to heal and look beautiful in the end. If, one year from now, you are unhappy with your nose, then that is the time to think about a revision procedure. Right now, concentrate on other things you like to do and let your nose and under eyes take the time to heal. I hope this helps.

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
With any nasal surgery, the name of the game is patience. At one week, we would expect you to have quite a bit of swelling and bruising still noticeable and may have trouble breathing out of one or both nostrils. By the end of two weeks, typically, you will still be swollen but look more like you have a bad cold, rather than post surgical. Swelling can take up to a year to be completely gone, however, by 9 weeks you will look very good and should see big difference from your pre-op pics.

Uneven swelling? 10 weeks post revision rhinoplasty. (photos)

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Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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Uneven swelling? 10 weeks post revision rhinoplasty. (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.