Post-rhinoplasty swelling and how it feels

[insidiousvertigo]

I had my fourth nose surgery done last Monday, May 11, 2009. My previously three surgeries had not been rhinoplasties, but rather septoplasties. My septum was very deviated, and I had my first surgery when I was 16. The first surgery didn't work (ent surgeon) so for some reason he did the revision surgery, being my second one. That didn't work, so I just waited until i was 19, and my third surgery done by another surgeon. After this was done my septum was still extremely deviated, my breathing impaired, and my nose crooked. About a year later, I looked to a plastic surgeon. I think he did a very good job...my nose is more structured so my nose doesn't collapse when I breathe through it. Anyway, I just got the cast off yesterday, and my nose is very swollen. It is as hard as a rock. I had a rib-graft done, so I have rib bone and cartilage in my nose. My nose feels very odd. Apart from being numb, it just feels odd...like extremely pressured. I am wondering if this is normal, the feeling, and how long until it will go away. The surgeon said the swelling will take 6 months to 1 year to go down...but what about the feelings I have described? Thanks in advance, and please contact me if you would like to talk about your operation, I would love to talk to someone who has had / is having similar experiences. My email is ***@****. Thank you!