Follow-up and progress of a rhinoplasty over one year

After leaving the hospital, avoid trying to imagine the final result through the splint. The impression of the tip of the nose being lifted is normal and temporary; an asymmetrical bandage does not indicate an asymmetrical nose.

Do not take aspirin, as it promotes bleeding; only paracetamol should be taken for headaches. Simple nasal irrigation is sufficient, possibly supplemented with a perinasal ointment.

Pre-operative appearance

The first post-operative consultation on day 7

During this consultation, the external restraint (plaster, splint) is removed, as well as for some patients: internal septal splints (Reuter splint), or skin sutures (external route), internal sutures are absorbable and therefore disappear spontaneously.

Upon removal of the dressing, an acneiform breakout on the nose is possible; it will be resolved by local medical treatment.

The immediate appearance is that of a swollen, hard nose with abnormal sensitivity. It's possible to observe some change (removal of the hump, symmetry), but the final result is still far from being achieved. It's commonly said that

- The nose is presentable in the street after 10 days

- We have an idea of ​​the result after one month

- The final appearance is achieved after a year or more for external routes

Appearance after plaster cast removal

Post-operative advice

- No forceful nose blowing for 15 days

The extent of bruising varies greatly from patient to patient; sometimes there is none, sometimes it is more pronounced (significant bone deviations). The marks may remain for up to two weeks, but makeup can be applied as soon as the compression garment is removed.

- No strenuous sports or swimming for 2 months

- No sun exposure without protection for 3 months

Wearing glasses is not recommended for 15 days, after which it is possible but inevitably leaves a mark (without consequence) indicating persistent edema.

The consultation at one month

One month after the procedure, we have an idea of ​​the result, especially when the expected changes are significant, such as the removal of a bony hump. Swelling persists, particularly at the tip of the nose, which remains poorly defined because the swelling, along with the superficial skin sensitivity, will take several more months to disappear. The overall appearance of the nose is, however, acceptable and harmonious, but the marks left by glasses indicate the continued swelling.

Appearance one month after the procedure

The 3-month follow-up appointment

Three months after the procedure, the functional result should be achieved, the appearance of the nose is close to the final aesthetic result, the majority of patients are satisfied because it is close to the expected result, but some areas such as the tip of the nose may remain edematous without having regained the initial suppleness and sensitivity.

In the event of persistent respiratory problems, further correction may be considered, whereas an aesthetic imperfection will have to wait at least a year before being corrected.

The one-year follow-up

The final aesthetic result is finally achieved; the slowest results to obtain concern:

- Patients who experienced significant post-operative swelling

- Patients with thick skin

- Patients operated on externally with significant cutting-edge work