Do Rhinoplasty Results Really Take a Year to Show?

Bruising and swelling are a normal part of rhinoplasty recovery. They are dependent on several factors related to both the surgical technique and the patient. Techniques that increase bruising and swelling include whether or not the nasal bones were broken (osteotomies), the extent of soft tissue dissection/elevation from the bony-cartilaginous framework, and whether the surgery was performed open or closed. Swelling following rhinoplasty resolves at variable rates. For the initial two... more

Seeing the final result of Rhinoplasty really does take up to a year or more! 7 weeks is too early to tell what the final result will be. Your surgeon could tell better on the O.R. table right after surgery was complete. I had a patient last summer planning her revision at 10 months; I told her to wait. At 1 year it was better but still a little swollen. 14 months following surgery she looked great and even sent three friends that month for consultations. So, give it time....

Keasrt24, Don't manipulate or pick your nose. You can potentially ruin the results. Most swelling after rhinoplasty resolves within a month. The final 20% of swelling takes a much longer time to resolve, up to a year or longer after surgery. Fortunately, this final swelling is usually only evident to the surgeon and patient. Rhinoplasty swelling varies greatly and is largely based on the areas of the nose treated, surgical approach to the nose (open or closed/endonasal), skin thickness,... more

Just saw one of our patients who is a bit more swollen than the average at two weeks, but she recognizes that the swelling is diminishing so she and I (and her mother) are not worried. She had a lot done: cosmetic surgery + surgery to improve her blocked breathing and sinus problems. Also required transplantation of tissue to give added strength to tip of nose. So, one would expect more swelling if " more" were done. The question is whether things are moving in the right... more

Hi K, Despite your urges, do not pick or "mess" with your nose as no "good" will come out of that. Be patient with your healing process. Many times a nose looks great after 1 to 2 months, but all noses continue to "morph" over time. Giving your nose at least a year to evolve to best before having a revision rhinoplasty. Good luck, be well, and I hope that your nose settles to your satisfaction. Dr. P

Yes it is true it takes six to twelve months to see your final results. You are still very early in the recovery phase and swelling should dissipate as time goes on. There is a saying do not put anything in your ear smaller then your elbow, well this applies to the nose as well! Do not pick it! Wishing you a speedy recovery and best regards!