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

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

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