Will Overall Width of the Nose Go Down Once Tip Swelling Resolves?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty about 2 months ago. From straight on, my nose looks much wider than it was. How much should I expect the overall width to go down. From taking pictures and measuring the proportions, I can pretty accurately estimate that my nose is 15-20% too wide. Can I expect that much of a reduction in the measure between the outside of the nostrils once swelling resolves?

Benjamin C. Marcus, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question

	 

	 

	Here is what I tell my patients. Healing occurs in 3 distinct phases. One usually loses edema at 25% per month for the first three months. From 3-12 months the last 25% goes away. However there is some ongoing change that can occur over 2-5 years. This last bit depends on what was done and where you started. Thicker skin patients  take longer to "shrink wrap". 

	So I think its safe to say that you will continue to see changes

	 

	Hope that helps

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank
 you for submitting your question. Swelling after a rhinoplasty, with 
tip work will last for a year.  Discuss your concerns
 with your surgeon. Best wishes.

Carlo Honrado, MD, FACS · Answer

It has only been two months and swelling can take a while to go down. After 6 months if your nose is still too wide, I would contact your surgeon.  But, depending on your skin type and what kind of procedure was performed, it could still take well over a year for swelling to truly subside.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

You are very early in the post operative period following your rhinoplasty.  Give it more time and the nasal swelling will go down.  It it is more swollen than you expected then discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

There is swelling in the mid third of the nose and we cannot judge a result until it has set in and healed six months or more. The width can occur as the bridge is reduced, imagine taking the top off the letter A. An infracture will close and narrow the nose, though sometimes a little more width is part of the surgical plan. You should ask your surgeon what is expected, and hopefully you planned your surgery out carefully.

Will Overall Width of the Nose Go Down Once Tip Swelling Resolves?

Answers (6)

Answer: Swelling is normal after a rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling is normal after a rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose looks wider after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose looks wider after rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Will Overall Width of the Nose Go Down Once Tip Swelling Resolves?

Answers (6)

Answer: Swelling is normal after a rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling is normal after a rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose looks wider after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nose looks wider after rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

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.