At What Point do Rhinoplasty Patients Typically Become "Happy" with Their Noses?

I've noticed that many rhinoplasty patients struggle with identity loss and post-surgery regrets initially, but grow to love their new nose as the healing process continues. Is there a certain timeline you've noticed for this? I'm seven days post-op, fairly swollen and bruised, and trying not to panic. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by perplexed in United States

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Satisfaction with Rhinoplasty

Satisfaction with ALL forms of Cosmetic Surgery depends on realistic expectations by the person undergoing the procedure. If the patient has unrealistic expectations of what could be accomplished, he/she would be disappointed with all perfectly done procedurs whose results fall short of such expectations. The human nose has multiple qualities and attributes and changing it will impact on all of them, in effect, changing not only appearance but affiliation with a racial / ethnic group and... more

Image changing versus image rejuvenation

Rhinoplasty is a surgery with major psychological ramifications. In contrast to a facelift, in which you rejuvenate a person's image to a former recognizable appearance, nose jobs are image changing and when you look in the mirror, you are seeing a person you have never seen before. It can take time and generally the older you are the more difficult it can be assuming a "new identity'. Rarely people need counseling. However, it is not uncoomon to... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Enjoying Rhinoplasty Results

The timing of post-rhinoplasty satisfaction depends on pre-op discussions and education. A patient who has realistic expectations, understands the the healing process and the evolution of the final result will trust their physician and accept the fact that their nose will look worse before it gets better.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Happy Rhinoplasties

Hi Perp, "Happy" is very subjective. Relax and try to be patient, enjoy your recovery time. Everyone is different. Know that it will take at least a year for your nose to settle. Depending upon your rhinoplasty surgeon, your nose should continue to improve over time. Hope that you love your new nose. Dr. P