3 Weeks After Rhinoplasty, I Seem to Still Have Facial Swelling.

Question

I notice because my folds/hollows around my nose are 'full' where as usually they are hollow looking (I usually get juvederm in there, and have not done so). I also notice because I am unable to smile fully yet. I have an extremely strange 'tight' looking smile at present. I was hoping all this would have resolved by now. I'm exactly 3 weeks post op. I still feel a lot of tightness when I smile too in my nasal area. When should all this resolve?

Thomas T. Le, MD · Answer

Swelling after rhinoplasty is variable and depends on numerous factors including but not limited to the amount of dissection performed, the amount of bleedingthat occurred during the surgery, bone work, thickness of skin, and whether your procedure is a primary or revision rhinoplasty.  Generally speaking primary rhinoplasty patients with thin skin have swelling and scar maturation that can last for 1 to 1.5 years, whereas thicker skinned and revision rhinoplasty patients may have scar maturation and fine changes in swelling lasting 2-3 years.  Three weeks after surgery is extremely young after a rhinoplasty, and it is best not to overanalyze your appearance at this time.

David E. Kim, MD · Answer

Some facial swelling is normal after 3 weeks from rhinoplasty. But really the person that would be able to answer you best is your surgeon.

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

At three weeks after rhinoplasty, swelling of the nose and face is normal.  Swelling associated with rhinoplasty takes up to a year to totally resolve.  Over the course of a year, your nose will display mild changes as swelling resolves and the "shrink wrap effect" of scar tissue formation under the skin evolves.  At a year after surgery you will be able to fully assess the final conformation of your new nose.  Good Luck... Dr. Corrado

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

Three weeks post-op from a rhinoplasty is still pretty early and residual swelling and tightness can be expected (i.e. normal).  The duration can be somewhat variable depending upon the surgical technique so be sure to follow up with your treating surgeon and ask him/her.  Best of luck for a great result...RAS

Paul Albear, MD · Answer

Swelling after rhinoplasty is normal and will come and go. As long as it is minimal without any bruising it will go away. Also it tends to be worse in the am after waking up. I usually see my rhinoplasties a 6 weeks 6 months and a year. Reason being that it takes time to see the final result. Any bruising see your surgeon, otherwise give it time.

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3 Weeks After Rhinoplasty, I Seem to Still Have Facial Swelling.

Answers (10)

Answer: Facial Swelling After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Facial Swelling After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

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