Depending on the complexity of your procedure, swelling can persist for a year, and sometimes longer. This is especially true of the tip of the nose. Fortunately, most swelling will subside within two months, and you should be ready to present your new facial profile to the world in about two weeks.
If you've had an open rhinoplasty, there will be more swelling and it will take longer to subside. Rhinoplasty that involves breaking nasal bones will also put more stress on the nose, resulting in greater swelling and an extended recovery.
If swelling continues to bother you after several months, your surgeon can administer a steroid injection at the site of maximum swelling. The persistence of swelling means that waiting for the ultimate result takes time, and requires patience. If your nose appears slightly asymmetrical during the first week of healing, it will almost certainly be well-proportioned and balanced at the end of the recovery process.
As your nose heals, it can be helpful to refer to computer imaging models your surgeon created for you during your initial consultations. These will be a more accurate predictor of your final result than the swollen nose you see in the mirror during the first weeks after surgery.