How accurate is an immediate photo after rhinoplasty compared to the final result?

Question

Hello there, I recently had a nose job and requested the immediate photography of my nose after the operation while I was still lying on the operation table. My question is : Are these photographs a good representation of my final result? I assume they are as the swelling takes a while to kick in ? Can anyone shed some light on this topic? Thanks

Timothy Ortlip, MD · Answer

In general, your immediate post operative pictures may be the best EARLY representation of your final results. (although not a definite replica of the final result). The early stages of the healing process start within minutes to hours of the the incision so there will already be some swelling in the soft tissue by the time the surgery is complete. This will also depend on the thickness and quality of your nasal skin. Some people have very thin skin that is not prone to swelling and some people have very thick sebaceous skin which will swell alot and early. Truth is, the peak of the swelling will occur over the next 7-10 days after surgery and taper off in the following months. As you probably know, subtle changes can happen even up to a year - 18 months after surgery. Hope this helps.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Great question. Pictures of your nose taken immediately after the surgery are not a good representation of your future nose. Swelling will be present as soon as the beginning of your operation. You can see a general improvement in the shape of your nose immediately after the surgery but the nose changes significantly over the following days and months.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Very good question. It is actually quite accurate. Swelling sets in after and takes months to subside, so an immediate post-op fotos does give you a good idea of your final results.

Best wishes,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Behrad Elmiyeh, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (ORL HNS) · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are correct, on the table photographs may be a better representation than those taken several days later as the swelling sets in. However, it does not necessarily show the final results. During healing process even in those who do not get any complications such as an infection, wound contraction does not occur completely symmetrically, and scar formation varies from person to person so the only way to see the outcome is to remain patient and see the final results 12 months after the surgery.
Happy new year and best wishes for 2023

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Is an immediate postop photo on the operating table a reliable indicator of the final result? The immediate postop photo can be a close indicator of the final result with the exceptions that the tip is usually more swollen on the operating table and may appear higher in rotation. In the final result the tip will usually be finer and the elevation of the tip will be less. after the immediate result when the cast first comes off, if it was on tight it may still resemble the immediate result. However over the next several weeks swelling builds up and scar tissue develops which will change the appearance of the nose which may not return to the early postop appearance until a year or more later.

Cem Payasli, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, pictures taken immediately after your operation are not a good representation of your final results. You will see immediate results on your nose however the are will be swollen and edematous, therefore this will not be even close to your final results. After a rhinoplasty it takes between 6 months - 1 year for the nose to be completely settled on your face.

How accurate is an immediate photo after rhinoplasty compared to the final result?

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