When do most patients begin to like their nose after rhinoplasty?

Question

I am about 10 days post operation and I hate what I see so far. I had a bump removed which looks great from the profile now, but now my entire nose from the front view looks wider. I had work done as well to narrow my nose including the tip, but everything seems much wider. When do most patients get excited about their nose? Is it normal to not like it yet? How often do you see patients hate their nose at first but then love it later?

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

It usually takes about 3 months for the majority of swelling to resolve after a rhinoplasty, but even after that it may take upwards of one year. If a reduction in the size of the nose was performed, the skin has memory and will assume its previous shape through swelling under the skin. This will get better.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question. Every patient recovers differently. However, I would say that in about 3-6 months you would be able to get a better sense of how your nose will look like. Although, the final healing time can take up to one year.

Best,
Gary Linkov, MD
Rhinoplasty Specialist
Manhattan

Best, 
Gary Linkov, MD
Rhinoplasty Specialist
Manhattan

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

It's a good sign that you like your profile. Everyone looks a bit peculiar 7-14 days postoperative rhinoplasty and swelling on front view will be present for many weeks. Without photos, it is difficult to evaluate your concerns, so it may be best making a followup visit with your surgeon sooner than scheduled. Wishing you well. Dr Joseph

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The first few weeks the nose looks swollen and tip is wide and often bigger than pre op level. People start to like their nose around 2-3 months and really appreciate the subtle tip refinement by 4-6 months. Good luck

R. Graham Boyce, MD · Answer

Having surgery to change your appearance was a big step and so it is normal to have anxieties about the results. You are in the very early stages of healing and the final results are perhaps a year away. The upper portion of the nose which is bony tends to reveal it's results earlier than the lower cartilaginous portion of the nose. The latter relies on swelling to subside as well as the formation of scar tissue before the final results are obtained. Be patient as it is a slow process to achieve the final results.

When do most patients begin to like their nose after rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)