Stage 7 of 8

Week 12 (3 Months)

Three months in, you're seeing significant definition emerge. Most people can't tell you've had surgery, and you're well on your way to your final result.

Three-Month Progress

At three months post-rhinoplasty, you're at an exciting point in your recovery. The majority of swelling has resolved, and the shape you're seeing now is much closer to your final result.

What You're Seeing

Shape Definition

By now, approximately 70-80% of swelling has resolved. You can appreciate:

  • The refined bridge profile
  • Improved tip definition (though this continues to refine)
  • Better nostril symmetry
  • Harmonious proportions with your other facial features

Residual Swelling

Some subtle swelling may persist, particularly:

  • At the nasal tip (this is the last area to fully settle)
  • In the supratip region
  • On one side more than the other (temporary asymmetry)

Skin Quality

If you had thick skin before surgery, swelling tends to take longer to resolve. Thin-skinned patients often see definition faster. By three months, skin texture should be normalising.

Sensation

Most numbness should have resolved by now. If you still have areas of reduced sensation, these typically continue to improve gradually. Complete sensation return can take up to a year.

Activity

At three months, all restrictions should be lifted:

  • All sports - Including contact sports (with reasonable caution)
  • Glasses - Can be worn normally
  • Full exercise - No limitations
  • Swimming/diving - Fully permitted

Sun Protection

Important

Continue protecting your nose from sun exposure for the first year. UV exposure can cause hyperpigmentation on healing skin. Use SPF 30+ whenever outdoors.

Comparing Your Progress

If you've been taking regular photos, now is a great time to compare:

  • Your pre-operative photos
  • Week 1 (splint removal)
  • Week 6
  • Now (3 months)

The progression demonstrates how much has changed, even if day-to-day differences seem imperceptible.

What's Still to Come

While you're seeing a great result now, further refinement continues:

  • Months 4-6: Continued tip refinement, scar tissue softening
  • Months 6-12: Final settling, subtle improvements
  • Month 12: Final result; typically when we schedule your review appointment

Pro Tip

Changes from here are subtle and occur monthly rather than weekly. Don't obsess over daily mirror checks - take monthly photos instead to track your progress.

Concerns at This Stage

If you have any concerns about your result at this point, it's appropriate to discuss them at a follow-up appointment. However, remember that the final result isn't visible until approximately one year. Many concerns resolve naturally with continued healing.