Swelling after plastic surgery is a concern for many patients. “When will I look normal?” is often asked by Washington DC area patients who want to get back to work without drawing unnecessary attention. A previous blog post reviewed some methods to help reduce swelling after facial cosmetic surgery, such as avoiding excess salt, using arnica montana tablets, and keeping the head elevated.
Rhinoplasty swelling lasts for several months, even up to a year or longer. Fortunately, a majority of the swelling resolves soon after surgery. The nose may swell a little bit before shrinking back down after the nasal cast comes off one week after surgery. After the first couple weeks, only the patient or plastic surgeon will appreciate the swelling as it doesn’t normally draw attention from friends, family, or strangers. Approximately 80% of the swelling has resolved around 4-6 weeks after surgery and continues to improve with time.
Some patients swell more than others following rhinoplasty. Set expectations appropriately as every patient differs in the recovery process. These other rhinoplasty specific factors for increased swelling after surgery include
- thick skin
- open rhinoplasty
- revision rhinoplasty
Nasal swelling can occur for many other reasons apart from surgery as well. Factors such as diet, hormones, emotions, temperature, medications and supplements, dust or smoke exposure, gravity, and allergies all contribute to swelling. The nose may appear more swollen on some days and smaller on others during recovery from these factors.
Above is an example of a rhinoplasty patient a few months and a few years after cosmetic nasal surgery. She had a closed rhinoplasty by Dr. Chaboki, which avoids external incisions. As you can see, the nose becomes more refined with time.
Considering rhinoplasty or nasal surgery for a deviated septum? Contact the office to schedule a consultation.
I recently had a rhinoplasty which resulted in an s-shaped knows. It is now a month-and-a-half post-surgery. Follow-up appointment with surgeon and she says that is probably bone casing. And I have to wait 6 months to see if it will resolve. If this is a matter of butter cartilage, do I have a chance of it ever going back to normal?
Thank you for the reading the blog!
Plastic surgeons generally advise to wait several month, even a year, for “final” results from swelling. We encourage multiple natural methods to help rhinoplasty swelling.
Best,
Dr. Chaboki
Is it normal to have a small groove at the tip of my nose two months after surgery? I’m slightly worried about it. It doesn’t look even.
Thank you for reading the blog!
Rhinoplasty, similar to any plastic surgery, takes a year (if not longer) for full healing. Rhinoplasty patients should be in communication with their plastic surgeons during the healing process.
Best,
Hi
I had a rhinoplasty 6 months ago, and I am suffering from the breeding problem, as well as swelling still continuing inside of my nose. Seems like a heavy sinus problem stopping me from bread. I am, using Drixoral, and its helping, but how long do I have to suffer like this?
I am worried. My Dr is in TURKEY and not helping much with my questions.
Thank you kindly
Thank you for reading the blog. Office consultation is required to help answer such concerns. As always, patients should be in communication with their rhinoplasty surgeon.
Best,
Hello Doctor,
How can I distinguish between scar tissue and persistent swelling? I’m 10 months post op from a revision rhinoplasty and I’ve noticed that the tip of my nose is no longer defined as it was a month after my revision surgery. I miss my cute, defined tip!
Thank you for reading the blog!
Revision rhinoplasty tends to have more swelling and scar tissue, as compared to the primary or original rhinoplasty. It’s difficult to distinguish between scar tissue and swelling in patients. The tip usually has more swelling than the bridge area too. Patients should consult with their rhinoplasty surgeon to review any concerns after rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty surgery.
Best,
Dr. Chaboki
I had a open revision procedure 13 months ago. I also have thick skin, so I tick all three boxes . To my untrained eye the swelling has not subsided at all, despite assurances from my surgeon that it would. Is there any hope at all that the swelling will go down.
Thank you for reading the blog!
Swelling after rhinoplasty can last beyond 1 year for some patients.
Best,
Dr. Chaboki