When can I expect to see the final results of my rhinoplasty?

Question

I have thin skin and had rhinoplasty to reduce a hump on my bridge and bulbous tip. How much difference will I see in my nose from 3 months to a year?

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Even at three months after rhinoplasty there is a significant amount of swelling present.  Although the majority of this swelling is gone, I typically tell patients that the last 10% 3 to 12 months (maybe longer in some cases) to go away.

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear CAE17 in Toms River, New Jersey:
From the time of operation, there is gradual evolution and ripening of the nose, the majority of which is done by 3-4 months.  However, up to 1 year will demonstrate some further refinement and increased definition.  However, in our experience, typically the basics of the results are visible in 3-4 months.  That is consistent with the overall rule in the body whereby it takes approximately 100 days for any operation to heal, whether it be through an incision on the chest, or arm, or wherever, nature takes 100 days.  
  
Also, remember that noses change over the course of a lifetime.  Even those that have not been operated.  They tend to become a little thinner.  For practical purposes you should see the result at 3-4 months.  On ours and other doctor’s websites, that is the typical period in which postoperative photographs are taken.  
  
Best wishes and happy holidays,
Robert Kotler, MD, FACS 
  
Over 4,500 nasal procedures performed

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

I tell patients it takes about a year till the final results are reached, but this can be different depending on how much was done.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are many variables that go into the healing time after a rhinoplasty procedure such as type of procedure performed, open versus closed rhinoplasty, placement of additional cartilage grafts in the nose, and thickness of the nasal tip skin. Most patients start to see what their new nose looks like at one month, and by three months it's really starting to present itself. Full healing takes one year for all of swelling to subside

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

The nose continues to undergo subtle improvement for up to a year in most patients and even longer in some depending on their anatomy, the extent of the procedure and genetics.I would suggest that have a consultation with a plastic surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience who should be board certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.
  
Robert Singer, M.D., FACS
  
La Jolla, California

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

It is very important for all patients undergoing rhinoplasty to understand that it will take up to a year to see the final result. Post op appearance often changes at "intervals" ie one month, three months, six months and finally at one year. some patients may take even longer.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It can take a year and sometimes longer for a patient'a nose to completely heal and for the swelling to subside.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,
It can take up to 8 to 12 months to see results of a rhinoplasty especially if you had a bulbous tip. Posting photos would help in evaluating your progress or concerns.Best,
Dr.S.

When can I expect to see the final results of my rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)

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