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Rhinoplasty

What it is: A plastic surgery procedure to improve the appearance, proportions and structural functionality of the nose.  Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, can enhance facial symmetry and harmony to improve the patient's self-confidence.  Breathing can also be improved as a result.

What it addresses: Specific aspects of the nose, such as:

- Nose size
- Nose width
- Asymmetry
- Nostrils

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Swelling 4 years after rhinoplasty - how can I determine what's causing it?

Hi,

I have undergone four consecutibve rhinoplasties, first 2 at a gap of 6 months, and last at a gap of 4 years. The second last rhinoplasty involved cartilage graft and lot of other changes, like filing of bone of nose. After that rhinoplasty, I have always felt my nose to swell as soon as I experience exposure to heat, even minor exertion, eat spicy or hot food. This also causes a condition like chording where the skin inside my nose feels pulled.

Finally sleeping, fresh air gets back my skin to normal. Moisturizing the skin also helps a bit.

I contacted a lot of doctors, including my PS and all they could diagnose is that due to subsequent rhinoplasties, there is excessive scar tissues in my nose, which causes disruption of lymph flow.

I came across this question on RealSelf about rhinoplasty swelling and I'm wondering if the cartilage graft is the real problem? I never had a infection, but the swelling is recurrent even after 5 years of my second last surgery.

Can somebody please clarify, if there are some tests to identify the real cause behind the swelling?

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Asked by: itzz_sheena
Bangalore, India

Answers (2)

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1
October 16, 2008

Nasal Swelling After 4 Rhinoplasties

Michael A. Persky, MD
Michael A. Persky, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hi itzz,

There is no test to determine the "real" cause of your nasal swelling.  It seems that your swelling fluctuates and is worsened when there is increased blood flow to your nose (exercising, etc.).  The doctors that advised you are likely correct in explaining that what you are experiencing is due to scar tissue and lymphatic and blood flow.  Hopefully your symptoms will resolve with more time.  Be well.

Dr. P

 

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2
October 15, 2008

If truly swollen you should see another surgeon

Toby G. Mayer, MD
Toby G. Mayer, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

What you describe sounds like you "feel" it is swollen. That's different than it is swollen and changes shape. Sometimes patients have strange feelings from there nose after surgery. These paresthesias usually last only a few months but may last longer. There is no treatment for this.
If there is actually swelling that recurs you should see a surgeon to make sure you don't have an infection or a cyst. We see patients routinely who have had 4 or more rhinoplasties who actually have thin noses and no swelling and no lymph blockage.

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