6 months post-op - When can I expect to see final results, and is it possible for significant change to still occur? (Photo)

Question

I am 51 years old, and have thick, oily skin. I had an open septorhinoplasty six months ago and am concerned that I don’t see the change that I expected. My surgeon says that it is healing nicely, and I do trust him, but am still concerned that this may be as good as it will get. I still have tenderness, and when I lie down on my side it feels as though my nose is “tipping”. When can I expect to see final results, and is it possible for significant change to still occur?

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank-you for your query. The average time for seeing final results after an open rhinoplasty is about one year. However, I have seen improvement even after this time especially in individuals with thick skin. One useful clue is that when the variation between morning and evening as well as between different postures is no longer there, most of your swelling has gone. Please be patient  and follow your surgeon’s instructions.  You should have a good result. All the best!

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It can take over a year to see the final result of a rhinoplasty. The thicker the skin, the longer it takes to see the result. Trust the process, and in time you'll have a better idea of where things settle. All the best!
-Dr. P

Samuel Lin, MD, FACS · Answer

The timeframe for healing to occur after rhinoplasty can be at least a year to year and a half. Changes continue to happen even past a year as the skin/soft tissue of the nose continues to change.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi Joan! There is definitely time for improvement to occur. I often tell my patients that final changes aren't present until the 10-12 month (sometimes longer!). The tip and front view are often the slowest to notice changes. I have my patient perform compressions for swelling, tape nightly, and I will inject steroids to assist with contouring. Hope this is helpful!

Akshay Sanan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi joan48732,
Thanks for asking your question and uploading your photos. From the front view, you can tell the changes from your rhinoplasty - it appears you had osteotomies and your nose looks straighter. The tip skin takes the longest to shrink wrap and to see the changes. I know this is hard, but being patient is key. It takes a full 12-18 months for the skin swelling to improve and resolve after rhinoplasty, especially for thick, oily skin. Tenderness in areas of the nose is normal after a septorhinoplasty, and it improves with time. As far as significant change, you can see big improvements in the bones and straightness already, the tip skin will continue to shrink wrap and you'll see more refinement. I hope this helps!
All the best,Dr. Sanan, MD Facial Plastic SurgeonDouble Board CertifiedLos Angeles, CA

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

How long does it take to see the final result after rhinoplasty? It is widely felt that it takes at least a year to see the final result after rhinoplasty. If the skin of the tip area is thicker than average it may take even longer. Similarly at 51 the contraction of the skin is slower than it would be at age 18. So there will probably be noticeable change between six and 12 months. In some cases, if the problem is a persistently thick tip you might discuss with you a surgeon the use of Cortizone injection to speed up the resolution of scar tissue and the contraction of your own skin

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You are at your 80-90% fully healed appearance time. If external results are not what was desired best to consider revision surgery. Discuss with your chosen operative surgeon or seek second opinions.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your frontal view photos, I note a significant decrease in the width of your nose. There is improved tip definition and the nostril flare has been eliminated. 
Healing after rhinoplasty takes quite awhile, at least 12-18 months. There has already been significant improvement. One can expect further subtle changes to slowly occur over time. 
Be patient!
Best wishes...

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