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Will The Final Result of Surgery End Up Like The Nose Appearance Just After Cast Removal?

Is it true that after cast removal your pretty much looking at the end result? After the cast comes off your nose will swell for months, and should technically reduce down to the same size as when you first saw your nose after cast removal?

Doctor Answers 6

Several days after rhinoplasty, your nose cannot be at its best.

February 16th, 2012
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Dear Rhandy:

When you have the splint or protector removed, the nose is invariably still swollen.  It will look better each day thereafter.  Generally by 7-10 days it looks quite good and you are going to be quite pleased with your appearance and not reluctant to be in public.

The reality is that the nose, like wine, takes time to ripen.  It will look better at one month than at two weeks, and will look better at two months than at one month.  Typically we judge the results somewhere between the fourth and sixth month.  We also do a one-year check.  The reality is, do not expect your nose to look as good as it will be immediately after surgery.  Your surgeon will remind you of this. 

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Author, SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON
Author, THE ESSENTIAL COSMETIC SURGERY COMPANION

Robert Kotler, MD


Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 82 reviews

Nasal Appearance When Cast Removed

February 14th, 2012
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Although the cast will restrict swelling, some swelling is still present when it is removed. Swelling will typically increase  immediately after removal. Your appearance will improve dramatically during the following 3 weeks, but it will take about a year to see the final result. 

Richard W. Fleming, MD

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 36 reviews

Rhinoplasty after splint removal

February 13th, 2012
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It is true that the splint will control swelling such that as the splint is removed the nose should look quite well. There will be considerable stiffness in the tip, and some swelling up along the bridge, and the 'final' result it not declared until about one year after. But as the splint comes off, we like the nose to look pretty close to what it will be.

Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Web reference: http://www.peterejohnsonmd.com/rhinoplasty

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 39 reviews

Rhinoplasty Results

February 12th, 2012
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With rhinoplasty surgery, there is usually quite a bit of swelling post-op.  So, don't get discouraged with any swelling in the first few weeks.  While you will see nice changes right away, it may take weeks to months to see your final result.  

 

Good Luck.

Web reference: http://www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

David Shafer, MD

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 72 reviews

Cast removal and nose

February 12th, 2012
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When the cast is removed from your nose, you will have quite a bit  of swelling especially in the tip. I would not say that is the final look that you will see in several months.  The general shape will be there but it will be swollen.

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Appearance of nose immediately after cast removal is not final rhinoplasty result.

March 15th, 2012
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It takes at least a year before the final full healing effect of a rhinoplasty is seen.  When the cast is removed the only real visible change is the bridge line and the width of the bones.  The tip of the nose and the profile of the bridge are still extremely swollen when the cast is removed so it is impossible to see the new nose.  The nose will start to take shape at 1-3 months after the procedure but will take quite some time for all tip swelling to come down which is accentuated by dark skin, fluid retention, and tip techniques that are performed during the procedure.

William Portuese, MD

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 125 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.