Signs of a Deviated Nose After Rhinoplasty Requiring Immediate Follow-Up

If you notice your nose is crooked, asymmetrical, or different from expected after rhinoplasty, please contact us immediately for a follow-up examination. These are signs that the results are not as anticipated, requiring timely evaluation and intervention.

Signs of a crooked nose to watch out for: After surgery, your nose may look different than before. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, a follow-up visit is mandatory:

• The nose is off-center, leaning to one side when viewed from the front.
• The nose is crooked or warped, not following a straight line from the bridge to the tip.
• The nostrils are asymmetrical, with one side higher than the other.
• The nasal tip is deviated to the left or right relative to your face.
• An unusual sensation or appearance that differs from the pre-operative interactive images.
• Difficulty breathing or tightness in the nostrils, especially if it only affects one side.
• Swelling, redness, or pus draining from the nose after the incision has healed.

Why can a nose become crooked after rhinoplasty? There are several reasons why a nose may appear deviated during the recovery phase or in the long term:

• Incomplete resolution of edema and swelling: During the first few weeks post-surgery, swelling is often uneven, making the nose look crooked. Once the swelling fully subsides, the final shape will be revealed.
• Incision stretching or poor healing: If the incision is not properly protected, the tissues may loosen, causing the nose to shift out of position.
• Surgical technique issues: The modified structures may be unbalanced or displaced from their intended position. At BonBoz Clinic, we perform all 3 rhinoplasty techniques, including structural rhinoplasty, cartilage-shielded rhinoplasty, and rib cartilage rhinoplasty, to optimally meet each client's needs.
• External impact: Any physical trauma or mechanical force to the nose during the recovery phase can cause it to shift.
• Inflammation or pus accumulation: When inflammation occurs, tissues can swell abnormally, affecting the overall shape.

Standard follow-up and monitoring schedule at BonBoz Clinic: To ensure your nose heals safely and settles into the correct shape, you must adhere to the following post-operative care and routine follow-up schedule:

• Day 1: Removal of drainage tubes (if any).
• Day 5: Splint replacement to check initial stability.
• Day 10–14: Suture and dressing removal.
• Routine follow-ups: At 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. These are crucial milestones for the doctor to comprehensively evaluate the nasal structure once the tissues have stabilized and the swelling has fully subsided.

If you notice clear signs of deviation after the swelling has gone down, or if any unusual symptoms occur, please contact the clinic immediately for a prompt evaluation without waiting for your scheduled appointment.

How to prevent nasal deviation during recovery: While it is impossible to completely eliminate all risks, you can minimize the chances of a crooked nose through proper post-operative care:

• Follow post-operative care instructions: On days 1-2, apply cold compresses for 10-15 minutes per session, about 5 times a day to reduce swelling; switch to warm compresses starting on day 3.
• Strict dietary restrictions for 1 month: Absolutely avoid seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, carbonated soft drinks, coffee, fermented fish sauce (mắm), and fermented bean curd (chao) to prevent any negative impact on the healing process.
• Avoid physical impact: Do not bump, massage, or touch the treated area during the first few weeks. Limit laughing loudly or talking excessively to avoid shifting the nasal structure.
• Proper sleeping position: Sleep with your head elevated and avoid sleeping face down on the pillow for 2–4 weeks.
• Timely splint replacement: Adhere to the splint replacement schedule on day 5 as instructed by your doctor to secure the nasal shape optimally.

Treatment options for a crooked nose: If a follow-up examination confirms that the nose is indeed deviated, the doctor will assess the severity and the underlying cause:

• If it is just residual swelling: Allow more time, use anti-swelling medication, or perform gentle massage as instructed.
• If revision is required: Depending on the severity, corrective surgery may be necessary. This typically requires waiting at least 6–12 months after the primary surgery for the tissues to stabilize.
• If caused by inflammation or infection: The doctor will prescribe antibiotics, drain any pus, and provide specific care instructions.

Rhinoplasty is a highly precise surgical procedure. If you are unsatisfied with the results or notice any deviation, do not hesitate—schedule a follow-up immediately. The doctors at BonBoz will examine you, evaluate the issue, and recommend the most appropriate solution.

When to contact BonBoz immediately? You should message or call the clinic immediately if any of the following warning signs appear:

• Significant nasal deviation after the swelling has subsided.
• Severe swelling, localized heat, redness, pain, pus, or foul-smelling discharge.
• Heavy bleeding or a high fever above 38.5°C.
• Signs of implant exposure or feeling that the nasal structure is loose and unstable.
• Persistent difficulty breathing or nasal congestion lasting more than 3–4 weeks.

Do not delay your visit. An early follow-up allows the doctor to detect and promptly address complications, protecting your nasal shape. In addition to rhinoplasty, BonBoz also provides support for recovery and revision after plastic surgery. Please contact BonBoz Clinic at 66–68 Võ Văn Tần, TP.HCM for a detailed examination and consultation.

Content compiled and reviewed by the medical specialist team at BonBoz Clinic.