Question:
I had a nose job about a week ago. I know swelling is normal but it seems so extreme. My nose looks twice the size. I have to return to work soon. Is there anything at all that I can do to get the swelling to disappear faster?
Answer:
First of all, swelling is normal after a nose job but if you feel it is extreme and there is a possibility that some other process may be going on like an infection, it would be to your benefit to show the situation to your physician. However, if it is just swelling related to the surgery, it should disappear significantly over the first three to four weeks and in total over a period of 9 to 12 months. The vast majority of people who have a rhinoplasty done look okay to go back to work within 10 to 14 days. Each case is different and some people, depending upon the thickness of their skin and the nature of their healing, may hold onto a more significant amount of swelling postoperatively than other people. The most important thing, as I mentioned before, is if there is any question of infection or some other problem to show it to the surgeon who did the actual rhinoplasty.