Rhinoplasty Swelling Timeline Video: When Does Your Nose Look Final?
Posted Oct 19, 2026 by @navigatemds
Your nose won't look final for a year. The splint usually comes off around day 5 to 7, bruising is gone by 4 to 6 weeks, and a Yale study that 3D-measured noses after surgery found about two thirds of the swelling gone at one month, 95% at six months and 97.5% at a year. The tip settles last.
Transcript
0:00 Your nose won't look final for a year. Here's the real swelling timeline.
0:05 Week one: a splint, and bruising under the eyes. (UCSF; University of Utah Health)
0:08 The splint usually comes off around day five to seven. (University of Utah Health; UCSF: within the first week)
0:11 By four to six weeks, the bruising is gone. (UCSF)
0:14 At one month, a Yale study measured two thirds of the swelling gone. (Pavri et al., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2016)
0:18 Six months: about 95 percent.
0:21 The last bit, mostly in the tip, can take a year or more. On screen: up to a year to fully refine; swelling can come and go and look worse in the morning (ASPS); 97.5% gone at one year (Yale study).
0:26 The median nose job on NavMDs? $8,000, from 454 surgeons. On screen: most land between $6K and $11K (middle half of listed prices, primary rhinoplasty).
0:32 Everyone heals differently, so follow your surgeon. Find surgeons near you on NavMDs.
Rhinoplasty swelling, phase by phase
| Phase | What typically happens | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 7 | Splint on; bruising under the eyes is common | UCSF; University of Utah Health |
| Day 5 to 7 | Splint comes off at the first follow-up visit | University of Utah Health; UCSF |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Bruising fades and should be gone by 4 to 6 weeks | UCSF |
| 1 month | About two thirds of swelling gone | Yale 3D study (Plast Reconstr Surg 2016) |
| 6 months | About 95% gone | Yale 3D study |
| 12+ months | The tip settles last; up to a year for the contour to fully refine | ASPS; Yale 3D study (97.5% at one year) |
What the Yale study measured
Researchers at Yale used 3D photography to measure nasal volume in 40 patients after primary open rhinoplasty, starting at the first visit one to two weeks after surgery. From the pooled measurements they estimated that about two thirds of the swelling resolves within the first month, 95% by six months and 97.5% by one year. Closed and revision procedures were not included, so other timelines can differ.
What does a nose job cost?
On NavMDs, the median listed price for a primary rhinoplasty is $8,000, from 454 surgeons’ patient-reported prices. The middle half of prices runs $6,000 to $11,000. Find rhinoplasty surgeons and compare real prices near you.
Sources
- Rhinoplasty recovery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- What to Expect from Rhinoplasty Recovery, UCSF Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Rhinoplasty recovery timeline: what to expect after surgery, University of Utah Health (Dr. Cori Agarwal)
- Pavri S, Zhu VZ, Steinbacher DM. Postoperative Edema Resolution following Rhinoplasty: A Three-Dimensional Morphometric Assessment. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2016;138(6):973e-979e
- Prices: NavMDs doctor profiles, one patient-reported primary-rhinoplasty price per surgeon (October 2026)
Everyone heals differently. This page summarizes published patient information and research; it is not medical advice. Follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does swelling last after rhinoplasty?
ASPS says initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, but it may take up to a year for the new nasal contour to fully refine. A Yale study that 3D-measured patients after primary open rhinoplasty estimated about two thirds of swelling resolves in the first month, 95% by six months and 97.5% by one year.
When does the splint come off after a nose job?
Usually within the first week. University of Utah Health describes the first follow-up visit, typically five to seven days after surgery, as when the splint comes off and stitches are removed; UCSF says the splints are removed within the first week.
How long does bruising last after rhinoplasty?
UCSF says bruising and swelling may continue for up to two weeks and should be completely gone by four to six weeks.
Why is the tip of my nose still swollen?
The tip holds swelling the longest. In the Yale 3D study some swelling was still measurable at one year, and ASPS notes it may take up to a year for the contour to fully refine.
Is swelling worse in the morning after a nose job?
ASPS notes that swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year after rhinoplasty.
How much does a nose job cost?
On NavMDs, the median listed price for a primary rhinoplasty is $8,000, from 454 surgeons' patient-reported prices, and the middle half of prices runs $6,000 to $11,000. Revision rhinoplasty is priced separately.
Is this timeline the same for everyone?
No. Everyone heals differently, and the Yale study measured primary open rhinoplasty only (closed and revision procedures were excluded). Follow your own surgeon's instructions.
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