5 Weeks Post Open Rhinoplasty and my Nose Still Looks Huge in Pictures

Hi anon,

The nose is swollen for a long time after rhinoplasty.  Depending on the type of rhinoplasty performed and what was performed, it may take 12-18 months for the swelling to resolve.  Now, having said that, the nose will shrink down a lot over the first three months and you should begin to have an idea of the final result by 3-6 months.  Try to be patient.  The waiting can be really tough at this point!

Good luck!

This is one of the most common concerns that rhinoplasty patients have.  Swelling after rhinoplasty, especially in the nasal tip occur 100% of the time.  

While you may feel that 5 weeks is a long time, consider if you were to slam your hand in a car door.  5 weeks later you would not be making a strong clenched fist.  The same is true when the nasal skin is elevated over the nasal tip.

Be patient.  Trust you surgeon.

As time goes on you will begin to see more of the subtle changes in your nasal tip region.  This may take 6-12 months.

Nasal swelling after external rhinoplasty can persist for 12 months. Your graduation in Dec 2011 should take place around the time that most of your swelling has resolved. Your concerns are very common at this point in your post-operative recovery. While it's easier said than done, please be patient - the swelling will continue to improve.
Best,Stephen Weber MD, FACS

There are many aspects of a rhinoplasty procedure that may cause a nose to have persistent swelling including skin type, length of the procedure, approach (open>closed), grafts, post-operative positioning, etc. Swelling is common for 6 months and we avoid pictures during this time. Manual lymphatic drainage may help if permitted by your surgeon 

At  5 weeks I would expect that you still are very swollen. You have to give it time to settle down. This may take 6 months or longer.

I've never seen your nose, but I assure you that the swelling will improve in the near future. Post -op swelling will vary depending on what was done, what techniques were used, and skin thickness. Be conscientious about followup with your surgeon.

It is common to have some swelling and distortion at this point after open rhinoplasty.  You might be able to get a better idea of what it will look like if you tape it up at night.  Also you may want to go over with your surgeon, exactly what was done and how long he/she expects it to be swollen.  Ideally, the majority of the swelling will be down by the time of your graduation but there can be subtle changes that occur longer than a year.