Six weeks post rhinoplasty and significant increase in bridge width. Is this mostly swelling or a bad result?

Question

I am currently almost 6 weeks post rhinoplasty/septoplasty. My surgeon re-did my tip using my cartilage and placed cartilage in other areas due to my "thin tissue". He shaved the hump and straightened my septum as well. I'm not happy with the front view of my nose and tip. It's extremely wider and this was not discussed as my desired result at all. Is this just swelling? He says I still have quite a bit of swelling. I'm so unhappy right now.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Without feeling the tissue, it's hard for me to say what is swelling and what isn't.  That being said, you have two things going in your favor.  1) its still very early on in the process.  The nose is in the central part of the face with just about most major muscles of facial expression attaching to it in some way or another.  For things to heal fast, we want immobility.  That is simply not possible with the nose as every time you smile, laugh, talk, eat or drink the muscles will tug and pull slightly on your nose.  So it can take quite some time for swelling to come down (up to a few months).  2) Your surgeon noted thin skin and having to graft the tip as well as elsewhere.  All these maneuvers will aggregate to create more swelling in certain patients.  If your surgeon notes that you still have quite a bit of swelling, then give it time.  He will guide you through the healing process.  If swelling doesn't continue to go down make sure you see him as he may be able to inject the nose with corticosteroids if needed to help bring the swelling down appropriately and ensure you do not develop any scar tissue.  Best of luck!

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

If you haven't already, speak with your plastic surgeon regarding any concerns you have. Generally, 6 weeks is still relatively early, and swelling is still present. Patients may notice initially a "bigger" nose with wider bridge or tip, which then gradually shrinks in size over time. Best,Dr. Chaboki

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.It's too early to make value judgments with only 6 weeks after a rhinoplasty.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Though still very early in healing phase you do not appear much different. Did ask for a conservative rhinoplasty.

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

It does appear from the photos submitted that you do have very thin nasal skin.  6 weeks after rhinoplasty there is still considerable swelling of the nose.  At this point it is best to be patient and follow the advise of your surgeon.  The frontal view takes time to evolve and the results are far from instant.

Six weeks post rhinoplasty and significant increase in bridge width. Is this mostly swelling or a bad result?

Answers (5)

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