How long does it take for a “curve” or “slope” to fully show after surgery?

Question

Hello! It’s been about almost three weeks since my rhinoplasty. I had an open rhinoplasty that focused mainly on fixing the bump on my nose and giving my nose a little “curve” or “slope.” Three weeks later and my nose still looks big to me ( I know it’s still swollen) and my nose still looks pretty straight. I’m reallyyy hoping that a cute little curve will start to become defined at some point near at least the six month mark. How long should I expect to see results? I hated my straight nose.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

It takes 3-6 months for the majority of swelling to subside but it is certainly possible your slope may not be quite as curved as you and your surgeon were aiming for.  Three weeks postop is super early. Your surgeon may recommend taping/massage to the tissues but you really need to give it time to assess. If the curvature you desire was ultimately achieved, revision may be indicated. Even among pure rhinoplasty specialists, the published revision rate is on the order of 10-15% of patients for a variety of revision scenarios, ranging from minor scar revisions to major redo surgery. Each situation requires patience and a collegial but critical dialogue between surgeon and patient during followup to identify what each sees and where the evolving result might be improvable with respect to ultimate goals.

Payam Daneshrad, MD · Answer

Swelling from an open rhinoplasty can be difficult to define. Depending on the thickness of your skin, the amount of cartilage and bone removed and any other changes made to the anatomy of the nose, swelling can last for up to one year. At times, your surgeon may choose to inject the nose with steroids or to use taping techniques to help the swelling resolve faster in the months after your surgery. You should stay in close contact with your surgeon early, but at 3 weeks, swelling is not generally concerning.

Sahar Nadimi, MD · Answer

3 weeks postop is still too early in the healing phase to determine what the final result of your rhinoplasty will be. The swelling will likely resolve significantly in the upcoming months. Although the majority of swelling after rhinoplasty resolves by about 4 weeks, there is still some swelling even up to 12-18 months. Also, it is not unusual to have asymmetric swelling. In general, swelling in the dorsum and tip seems to take the longest to resolve. For some patients with very thick skin, they may benefit from some steroid injections in the postoperative period. I would give it some more time and continue to follow all your doctor's postoperative instructions. Best of luck

Abdulkadir Goksel, MD · Answer

Full recovery after a nose job may take up to 1 or 2 years depending on the skin type. But, soon enough you will start seeing some change.

Dr.Abdülkadir Göksel

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

It can take upto 3 months for the nasal dorsal swelling to resolve; if you are desiring more of a slope, it may be possible to promote more of a curvature by ensuring that scar tissue does not build up. This requires steroid injection and manual compression in the early postoperative period.

How long does it take for a “curve” or “slope” to fully show after surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Recovery

Answer: Recovery

Answer: Nasal dorsal swelling

Answer: Nasal dorsal swelling

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How long does it take for a “curve” or “slope” to fully show after surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Recovery

Answer: Recovery

Answer: Nasal dorsal swelling

Answer: Nasal dorsal swelling

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.