When does callus formation after rhinoplasty stop?

Hey there, thanks for the great question. This is a common conversation I have with patients as many worry about the appearance of their nose as these stages progress. In summary, there are 4 typical phases

1. Hematoma formation (week 1)- This happens right after you cut the bone. The blood that fills the area around the bone stats the process of healing

2. Fibrocartilaginous callus formation (week 2) - This is when the blood releases chemicals that start the process of forming a soft 'scar' on the bone. This is the phase you start to see fullness form over the healing bone. The cut bone is still soft and starts to get more firm

3. Bony callus formation (week 3 - 6) - Your body starts to dissolve the soft 'scar' or callus and replace it with thick, immature bone. It can get more full and hard. This is the formation of the stronger bone

4. Bone remodeling (7 weeks up to 1 - 2 years) - the long and frustrating part of bone healing. It takes a long time for your bony to remodel the bone. Everyone goes through it and we are all different. The body dissolves extra-bone from the callus and makes it strong and smooth.

Actually nasal bones don’t heal by callus formation as long bones do. They heal by a process called fibrous union. Strong enough but you won’t form any bony callus

It takes a full year after rhinoplasty for the healing process to be complete. It's important to understand that skin, bone, and cartilage are all living tissue. If a callus is going to form, they usually form within the first year after the surgery