My Nose Doesn't Look Any Different from Before my Rhinoplasty? (photo)

The short answer to your question is that it is way too soon to be able to tell if there is a problem or not. It is very common to have what appears to be a persistent bump especially if swelling is present. Also, the tip is always bigger after a rhinoplasty and this can persist up to six months to a year or longer if tip work was done. I would ask about taping postoperatively. I feel that it helps tremendously for the skin to conform to the new structure and with time that should help but I would ask your surgeon first.

Hello and thank you for your question. Since you are only 11 days post-op this is very normal so far. The final results take at least 1.5 years for the swelling to fully resolve. This can require lots of patience and waiting. Steroid injections performed by your surgeon can be extremely helpful. I usually start steroid injections around 1 to 2 months after surgery and continue as needed. Most patients are able to return to work and resume exercise one week after surgery. I recommend that you maintain close follow up with your qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. Rhinoplasty is one procedure that requires a significant amount of patience, as the nose is usually in no hurry to heal fully. You may not think it is swelling now, but I assure you there is still substantial swelling occurring in both the nasal tip and bridge. I can see the slight rotation in the tip already and I think you will see more and more improvement in the following months as that swelling finally goes down. I assume you are seeing your surgeon for follow-up appointments regularly so feel free to share your concerns at those appointments. However, I do believe the nose you see now will look quite different (and more improved) a few months down the road.

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding early changes in Rhinoplasty surgery. This is a common enough concern and any surgeon who does not keep a patient prepared for the natural course of a rhinoplasty outcome, both before and after surgery, is missing an important opportunity to communicate and reassure their patient. Sharing such course from the previous examples is very useful. I would expect changes in the Nasal Dorsum and see how it looks at 6, 12 and 18 months ... As I would say to my patients after 11 days ... The Healing Process is just about getting ready ... has not really started yet ... Best Wishes !

I think it is easy to see your concerns, but it is way to early to start worrying about the final appearance.  The swelling reduces rapidly in the first few weeks but then there is a much slower phase of healing as the skin shrink wraps itself.  Final results take at least a year but often more in thicker skin types.  Your surgeon should have regular follow up appointments booked for you so discuss your concerns when you next meet them, but give it some time for things to settle.

Hi thank you for your images and question. While your result is subtle, 11 days post surgery the result will be influenced by swelling which may take up to 18 months to improve. I would recommend seeing your surgeon regarding swelling and scar management strategies which will assist with swelling resolute and optimise scar maturation.