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

Question

I had an open rhino abt 5 1/2 weeks ago. I am still not happy with my results.I can agree that my profile looks better than before (had a hump/droopiness/flared nostrils,). My front view looks huge and shapeless in pictures. Although it doess look smaller in the mirror, I still worry b/c I will graduate in Dec. 2011 and I would like for my nose to thin out and look smaller in pictures. I used to like my front view pre op..now I don't like it. Will my nose ever look better in pics?

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

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!

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

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

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

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

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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.

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

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Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty is normal for 6 months

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty is normal for 6 months

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty is normal for 6 months

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty is normal for 6 months

Answer: 5 weeks after rhinoplasty

Answer: 5 weeks after rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.