Do Rhinoplasty Results Really Take a Year to Show?

Bruising and swelling are a normal part of rhinoplasty recovery. They are dependent on several factors related to both the surgical technique and the patient. Techniques that increase bruising and swelling include whether or not the nasal bones were broken (osteotomies), the extent of soft tissue dissection/elevation from the bony-cartilaginous framework, and whether the surgery was performed open or closed.
Swelling following rhinoplasty resolves at variable rates. For the initial two weeks, the nose is markedly swollen and noticable to anyone. After the second week, the swelling usually subsides such that it is not obvious to the casual observer that anything has been done to the nose; however, the nose will look "puffy" to the patient for several months. Usually by 4 months, the vast majority of the swelling will dissipate, but it may take a full year (or longer in some cases) for all of the swelling to resolve and for the final result to be achieved.

Rhinoplasty final results technically can take up to a year BUT you should see improvement immediately. Most of my patients start really liking their nose by 2-3 weeks and loving it by 2-3 months. Massage and an occaisional steroid injection can sometimes speed things up too. Swelling continues to resolve but again, tis doesn't mean that there should be so much swelling that you can't see something you like early on.

What you have described, swelling at just 7 weeks
post-rhinoplasty, is completely normal and expected. It is common for patients
to be worried about the results of their nose job, but I always advise them to
try to remain as patient as possible with the recovery. One year is the time frame during which
nearly all of the swelling should subside. Your new nose should look more or
less how you want it to look after this time. Also, do refrain from picking
your nose as this can in fact interfere with proper recovery.

It’s not unusual for patients to be concerned about the size
and shape of their nose following rhinoplasty surgery.This anxiety is normal and occurs for a
variety of reasons.It’s important to
realize that wound healing is a dynamic process that can take 12 to 18 months
to reach completion.During this time
the nose may be extremely swollen.Swelling takes time to resolve and the nasal tip is the last area to see
improvement.During
this period, it’s not unusual for patients to be anxious and in some cases
unhappy with their result.It’s safe to
say that the majority of these patients are ultimately happy with their result
once swelling has resolved and wound healing is complete.This
process typically lasts about a year following rhinoplasty.It’s therefore important to be patient
following this procedure.When revisional
surgery is necessary, it shouldn’t be undertaken until the swelling has
completely resolved.This usually takes
about a year.If
you’re concerned about the appearance of your nose, it’s important to maintain
contact with your plastic surgeon.Your
surgeon should be able to reassure you and alleviate your anxiety.

In general, swelling after rhinoplasty takes months and months to fully resolve and the tip is affected the longest.

 It takes 6-12 months to see the final result from your surgery. Don't be worried--noses are often like yours at this time. You should see more  reduction of the swelling in the next 3 months.

Hi K,
Despite your urges, do not pick or "mess" with your nose as no "good" will come out of that.
Be patient with your healing process. Many times a nose looks great after 1 to 2 months, but all noses continue to "morph" over time. Giving your nose at least a year to evolve to best before having a revision rhinoplasty.
Good luck, be well, and I hope that your nose settles to your satisfaction.
Dr. P

Seeing the final result of Rhinoplasty really does take up to a year or more! 7 weeks is too early to tell what the final result will be. Your surgeon could tell better on the O.R. table right after surgery was complete. I had a patient last summer planning her revision at 10 months; I told her to wait. At 1 year it was better but still a little swollen. 14 months following surgery she looked great and even sent three friends that month for consultations. So, give it time.

Good question. This is one of the most important points to discuss with our patients before surgery, because it really can take up to a year for the final result. As the weeks and months go by, you should see the swelling gradually improve and the outcome start to show itself. After 3 months, if you want to pick your nose that is ok... at that point it won't hurt your outcome!
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

Thank you for your question. 
With any nasal surgery, the name of the game is patience. At one week, we would expect you to have quite a bit of swelling and bruising still noticeable and may have trouble breathing out of one or both nostrils. By the end of two weeks, typically, you will still be swollen but look more like you have a bad cold, rather than post surgical. Swelling can take up to a year to be completely gone, however, by 9 weeks you will look very good and should see big difference from your pre-op pics.