When do you see final rhinoplasty results?

Hi, I’m Dr. Ethan Baughman, board-certified plastic surgeon in Westlake Village.

When do you actually see the final results after a rhinoplasty?

The answer may surprise you.

Most patients notice an immediate change once the splint comes off at about one week after surgery. But that’s not the final result. The nose is still swollen, especially around the tip.

By about one month, much of the swelling has improved and the nose starts to look more refined.

At three to six months, the bridge typically looks close to its final shape.

But the tip of the nose—which has thicker skin and delicate cartilage work—can continue to refine for up to a full year, and sometimes even 12–18 months in thicker-skinned patients.

So while you’ll see improvement early, true rhinoplasty results take time as the swelling slowly resolves and the tissues settle.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty and want to know what your timeline might look like, schedule a consultation.

— Dr. Ethan Baughman