5 months post Rhinoplasty and my nose is still very hard. Is this normal?

Question

My nose is pretty much still as hard and as sensitive as month 1. Is this normal? How long will it take to start softening up? Is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process without injecting it? i.e. supplements, working out etc?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It is very normal to be swollen at 5 months postoperative.  The dorsal aspect of the bridge of the nose will usually decrease earlier than the nasal tip swelling.  Nasal tip swelling can sometimes take 6-12 months to fully resolve.  I advise patients that the final result of rhinoplasty takes 12 months. If you had an open rhinoplasty, the nasal tip swelling may take 1-2 years to resolve.  I recommend decreased salt intake and patience.  I do not recommend steroid usage--this can impair wound healing and if injected can result in hypopigmentation.  I recommend that you return to see your surgeon, as he/she will have a good idea of what to expect in regards to your specific progress, since they can evaluate you in relation to your preoperative appearance.Best wishes and good luck.

Guy Watts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are two aspects to answering this question. There is no doubt that the skin at the tip of the nose can remain indurated and feel firm for up to 12 to 18 months post surgery. So patience is a virtue particularly after rhinoplasty. The second aspect to answering your questions related to the specific surgery that was performed. Cartilage grafts used in the tip of the nose to aid with shape and structure can result in increased firmness to the tip. I discuss this possibility with all patients prior to surgery. RegardsDr Guy Watts

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for the question. In general, it can take up to 18-24 months to see the final result of rhinoplasty. 70% of the swelling is resolved after the first 3 months and the remainder goes down over time. It is not abnormal for the nose to feel hard 5 months post-op. I would recommend speaking with your surgeon, as he/she knows the details of your procedure and will be able to advise you. I hope this information helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty is not one operation. Depending on what was done and your particular biologic situation swelling can be persistent for many months after rhinoplasty.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

it
actually takes up to one full year for the nose to completely heal, but around
three to four months after the surgery the changes will be the most
obvious. Up through the four- month mark
the nasal structure will be fragile as it mends and heals. It is for this reason that all contact
sports, diving, and other potentially dangerous activities should be
avoided. After all the effort related to
your nasal surgery, you certainly do not want to undo the good work that has
been done.

Ciro Adamo, PhD, MD · Answer

It depends on the specific rhinoplasty that was performed. It is pretty normal for the tip of the nose to be stiff for 7-8 month or even longer after a rhinoplasty, but if the entire nose is still very sensitive you may want to check with your surgeon, to make sure you are healing well.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Without an exam and knowing exactly what was done in your surgery, online consultants cannot answer your question.  If grafts were placed in your nose that would play a part in the recovery.  Follow up with your surgeon to discuss your progress.

5 months post Rhinoplasty and my nose is still very hard. Is this normal?

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