I had a nose job several weeks ago and was really pleased with the results at first.

Question:

I had a nose job several weeks ago and was really pleased with the results at first. Ever since the cast was removed, though, my nose seems like it has gotten bigger and bigger, like the swelling has actually increased. Is this common and is it really just the swelling or should I be concerned? When can I expect the swelling to fade more?

Answer:

It is totally expected that after a firm cast, whether it be plaster or an aqua-plastic type splint, is removed that the nose will then begin to swell a bit. The cast is placed on the nose to help compress the natural tendency for swelling after surgery and that is removed along with the cast so it is to be expected that the nose will get bigger and swell for a period of time once the cast is removed. Just as long as the swelling seems normal, in other words it is basically symmetric and there is no redness or unusual tenderness associated with it that could be signs of infection, I would have no concern regarding the increased swelling in the nose.

The swelling should begin to fade over the first post-operative month and will continue to do so over the period of a year. All nose jobs take approximately one year or even up to 18 months to resolve all of the swelling from the surgery and have the absolute final result visible to the patient.