POSTED UNDER Revision Rhinoplasty Reviews
Excessive Swelling with Revision Rhinoplasty
UPDATED FROM Helpful281138
3 months post
Nose is not getting smaller
My initial feelings of regret and displeasure over my septorhinoplasty have only grown as my nose width has not gotten smaller. I am almost three months post op and things are not getting better. I have met with my surgeon and he downplays it all and talks about how thick my nasal bones are due to my heritage and how complex my case was. He always says “it looks better” and quickly rushes me out. I know I still have to wait at least six months but I am already debating seeing another surgeon to have a third revision. Anyone that can share their experience would be great. I’m looking for any words of reassurance.
UPDATED FROM Helpful281138
1 month post
Nose is still extremely large 6 weeks post op
So I’m six weeks post op and my nose is still very large. I have it taped daily and have been careful- barely exercising other than going for long walks. I am trying to remain patient (as my surgeon said it will take at least six months for lateral swelling to heal) but I find myself regretting this decision on a daily basis. I don’t see how this could all be swelling and I am terrified that my nose will remain this large. Hopeful other people have similar experiences and can tell me their timeline of swelling decreasing and outcome.
Replies (2)
Hi. I had a revision December of 2019 and right when I got my cast off I had instant regret because it was huge and looked so weird on my face. It sent me into anxiety and I kept tape on my nose for almost 3 months because I couldn't look at myself without it. Your nose is going to go down. 6 weeks is way too early for all of the swelling to have gone down. I've read of people where up until 2 years they say their nose is even smaller, especially after a revision. I get it though...I thought I was going to have that OMG I love it on cast removal day and instead it sent me into anxiety, depression and regret. Give it more time. I had to keep looking back at my old nose to remind myself of how bad it was and why I wanted to get it fixed in the first place. To get used to my new slightly wider nose (because my nose was collapsed) I would contour it with some makeup. I know it sounds crazy but it was the only way I could cope and stand to look at myself while it was still swollen and fat. It will go down more - 6 weeks is way too soon! I know the waiting game sucks, but you are not alone with how you are feeling, but again it is too early!
Thank you so much! This is really helpful! I also can’t bear to see my nose without tape and even contemplated using makeup to contour. I’m hopeful it will all turn out well in the end.
Please don’t judge your nose until a year after surgery. This time will absolutely suck but in a year it will be so worth it! I just underwent a revision rhinoplasty, a year and a half after my original surgery. And right before I went in for a my revision I considered cancelling because the last 6 months of healing I started to see a hugeeeeee decrease in swelling and was starting to be actually quite happy with my nose. Give it time. It will just keep looking better every day!
Thank you so much for the comment. I am trying to be patient and comments like this really help me with seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
ORIGINAL POST
Excessive Swelling with Revision Rhinoplasty
Just underwent revision rhinoplasty to correct deviated septum and remove dorsal hump/straighten bridge. Surgeon talked about the possibility of using cartilage grafts for help with bridge definition. After surgery, surgeon told me I had the worst deviated septum he had ever worked on and that he didn’t get to do as much as he had hoped in fear that my nose would collapse (so no cartilage grafts). My recovery has been brutal. I was unbelievably swollen and bruised. When the cast came off after 7 days, I cried because my nose looked so huge. I am now 2.5 weeks post op and my nose is larger than ever. My surgeon assures me that I just need to be patient and that the swelling will go down but I am terrified this isn’t all swelling. My surgeon also has not suggested for me to do any taping and/or nasal massages as he doesn’t think these will help the final result.
I am looking to see if 1) anyone has any similar experiences that they can share and what their overall outcome was, 2) whether not using cartilage grafts will affect the overall definition of my nasal bridge, and 3) whether taping and nasal massages helped with recovery.
Any input would be greatly appreciated! I am literally embarrassed to leave the house at this point and am already worried I will need a third surgery (that I truly don’t want too get).
I am looking to see if 1) anyone has any similar experiences that they can share and what their overall outcome was, 2) whether not using cartilage grafts will affect the overall definition of my nasal bridge, and 3) whether taping and nasal massages helped with recovery.
Any input would be greatly appreciated! I am literally embarrassed to leave the house at this point and am already worried I will need a third surgery (that I truly don’t want too get).
Replies (5)
Your nose looks better than before already with revision rhinoplasty you get tons of swelling more than the first rhinoplasty. Be patient ! My surgeon suggested not to tape but I did and sometimes do bc it helps with swelling at least it helped with my swelling.what was all done to your nose ? Did he have to re break it ? Are you thick or thin skinned ? Post more pics maybe I could be a better help! And I've always thought grafts help w collapses? So I'm confused why he didn't use any grafts at all ?
With a secondary rhinoplasty can swelling last several years?
Hi! Thank you for your reply! My surgeon shaved down bone and cartilage on the bridge and then completely rebuilt my septum. He did not say he needed to re-break it. I also don’t know why grafts were not used to help with the possibility of the collapse. I need to bring this up in my appointment next week.
I am thick skinned and my surgeon mentioned I have a thicker nasal bone as well due to my Jewish heritage. I posted some more pictures to show how large my nose is.
I am thick skinned and my surgeon mentioned I have a thicker nasal bone as well due to my Jewish heritage. I posted some more pictures to show how large my nose is.
Sorry for your experience and tough recovery! I am also surprised that no grafts were used to support your septum. Can you share what your surgeon says on why he didn't use any?
Hi! So after meeting my doctor again and reading my operative report, I found out that the doctor actually did use spreader grafts to help support the septum. He also performed osteotomies and a turbinectomy.
Who was your surgeon if you don't mind me asking?
I also had a horrible experience with insane swelling following revision septo-rhinoplasty two months ago. The first two weeks were brutal and I was in tears when the cast came off.
I taped, and although my surgeon told me not to massage I watched videos and did so gently, adding more pressure as I became confident it wasn’t doing any harm. I also started taking Bromelain and Tumeric to help with the inflammation. And as someone with oily skin, I became impatient with the swelling and two weeks ago I started using Rael Miracle Patch Spot Control Covers (the large size) and I swear that’s made the biggest difference for me. It sucks out the oil in my nose overnight and has helped the swelling go down quite a bit. Before that I was convinced I’d need a third surgery as well but it’s now looking better by the day
I taped, and although my surgeon told me not to massage I watched videos and did so gently, adding more pressure as I became confident it wasn’t doing any harm. I also started taking Bromelain and Tumeric to help with the inflammation. And as someone with oily skin, I became impatient with the swelling and two weeks ago I started using Rael Miracle Patch Spot Control Covers (the large size) and I swear that’s made the biggest difference for me. It sucks out the oil in my nose overnight and has helped the swelling go down quite a bit. Before that I was convinced I’d need a third surgery as well but it’s now looking better by the day
Thank you for sharing! How far post op are you? Do you think the Bromelain and Tumeric helped? I haven’t done any massages but have been taping. Im debating starting massages because my nose still looks horrible. I will need to try the real miracle patch spot control covers!
Replies (3)