Why is my surgeon ok with rhinoplasty touch-up at 9 months and others say 12 months?

Question

At 9 months my surgeon said we can go in and do a minor revision to my nose . At 9 months my surgeon said that is ok I have thin skin . He will take temporal fascia to cover the two points in my tip and trim one graft that is pressing down on my nostril . Why is my surgeon ok with 9 months and others say 12 months ? Is 9 months to early with thin skin? There has been no change in my nose since 12 weeks .

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The timing of revision rhinoplasty is dependent upon resolution of nasal swelling after previous rhinoplasty. When people have thin skin, swelling resolves sooner. 12 months is an arbitrary number. Sometimes people take longer than 12 months to have their swelling resolve, after rhinoplasty surgery. Thank you for this question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Sean Fisher, MD · Answer

12 months is a time course that many surgeons will discuss with patients, however this is a generalization based on most patient's healing course. Every patient is different and healing is different for everyone. The decision for considering a revision is specifically what needs to be accomplished, surgically, patient anatomy, and residual swelling and stiffness. 
Sean Fisher Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonSeattle, WA

Zamir Paez, MD · Answer

The timing for a touch-up depends on factors like skin type and healing progress. With thin skin, tissues often stabilize more quickly, allowing for revisions before 12 months. However, many surgeons prefer waiting a full year to ensure there are no further subtle changes. The key is to carefully assess your progress and ensure the revision is safe and effective to achieve your desired result.

Bruce B. Kadz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Different surgeons feel comfortable with particular procedures after different time periods.

Pawel Szychta, MD, PhD, DSc · Answer

For thin-skinned patients, healing stabilizes faster, often making minor rhinoplasty revisions safe at 9 months. Since your nose hasn’t changed since 12 weeks, your surgeon likely sees it as ready. Others recommend 12 months for patients with thicker skin or ongoing swelling. Always consult your surgeon if uncertain.

Why is my surgeon ok with rhinoplasty touch-up at 9 months and others say 12 months?

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