5 weeks after rhino with rib graft, concerned about swelling?

Question

I had surgery back in February for a deviated septum.  It was quite deviated, but in regards to allowing me to breath better, the surgery went well.  For unknown reasons, as a result of that surgery, the cartilage in my nose died, leaving me with a very obvious saddle nose.  5 weeks ago I had rhinoplasty to repair the defect.  The surgery went well but was very difficult according to my surgeon.  At this point I am happy with the results except for the thickness of my tip.  I know it can take up to a year for all the swelling to go down, but I would assume that by 5 weeks most of the swelling would be gone.  Is that a fair assumption?  I have no intentions of having surgery again (I wish I didn't have to do the last one), so I am pretty bummed that at this far out my nose (mostly the tip) still looks so big.Thanks!julie

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear Juliemom26,There is always some swelling present five weeks after a rhinoplasty.  This is especially true after a rib graft.  It could take a year or longer for the tissues to settle.  You can expect gradual improvement.  Best of luck.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

In general, the final result of rhinoplasty is not evident for 18-24 months after surgery. 70% of the swelling is resolved after the first 3 months and the remainder goes down over time. You will still have swelling after 5 weeks that can affect the appearance of your result. Swelling can be influenced by the following: whether the procedure was a revision, whether the procedure was open or closed, whether tip work was performed, and the thickness of the patient's skin. In regard to swelling, the tip is usually the last to come around. I would recommend waiting and see how you continue to heal. Your surgeon should be able to answer any questions in the meantime, as they know the details of your procedure. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

As you mentioned, the swelling in your nose can take a year to resolve.  Especially in the tip of your nose, where the skin is thickest, it will take time for you to see your final outcome.  Without knowing the details of what work was done to your tip, it's difficult to say how much more refinement you can expect, but you can certainly expect more as the year progresses.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

TIp swelling will persist for quite some time especially if you had a previous rhinoplasty. Be patient.

Ernesto Hayn, MD · Answer

Waiting for the swelling, specially post secondary rhinoplasty, is the hardest thing to do. It can take several months even to see a significant change.  Patience is all that you need right now.

5 weeks after rhino with rib graft, concerned about swelling?

Answers (9)