Rhinoplasty Swelling- how long does it really take to look normal?

Question

Firstly thank you for the answers to my previous question! I have surgery booked for September. However I am worried as I am hearing stories of patients looking awful and swollen months afterwards. I plan to move to a new city for new job a month after surgery- can I expect to look normal by then? I am booked in with an experienced surgeon who I trust but still very worried about this. Most sources said 2 weeks is enough time, but obviously the internet is full of horror stories!

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear AliceWith a primary closed rhinoplasty, you would routinely be comfortable in public at 3-4 weeks postop. One month is a very reasonable timeline. best of luck!!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Visible bruising and swelling  for most patients takes approximately 2 weeks to subside before they're able to be comfortable going out in public. The nose is not fully healed  at 2 weeks, but takes many months for the swelling to come down, depending upon the skin type and thickness, and the techniques performed during the rhinoplasty procedure, especially in the tip of the nose. The tip of the nose will stay swollen for the longest period of time. Many patient's require cortisone shots and Blenderm tape applied to the supratip area of the nose to ensure that the skin shrink wraps accordingly over the cartilaginous framework of the nose. Followup with your operative surgeon is just as important as the procedure itself.

Jose Barrera, MD · Answer

Immediate recovery after rhinoplasty is one to two weeks. After the cast comes off, there will be some swelling which will improve over one month. You'll be very presentable most of the time at one month. Best wishes!

Fred Suess, MD (retired) · Answer

It should be fine to move a month after surgery. Very slight amount of swelling in the nose especially in the tip can take 6-9 months to resolve. You should do fine.

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

It is so variable. But a generic answer is that the black and blue around the eyes is gone by 10 days to 2 weeks.Gross swelling of the nose takes most people a month. Thick tissues take longer especially the tip. You should be very presentable between 1 to 2 months. Finally swelling (which is not gross) may take up to a year.

Rhinoplasty Swelling- how long does it really take to look normal?

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Answer: How long does it take to look normal after Rhinoplasty?

Answer: How long does it take to look normal after Rhinoplasty?

Answer: Swelling time

Answer: Swelling time

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Rhinoplasty Swelling- how long does it really take to look normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: How long does it take to look normal after Rhinoplasty?

Answer: How long does it take to look normal after Rhinoplasty?

Answer: Swelling time

Answer: Swelling time

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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.