Significant progress! Most bruising has disappeared, early puffiness has diminished, and your nose is beginning to reveal its refined shape.
At this stage, you've come a long way from those first post-operative days. Your nose is now settling into its new form, and you're likely feeling much more comfortable with your appearance.
Most bruising has completely disappeared by now, and early puffiness has diminished considerably. The shape of your nose is becoming clearer, though subtle swelling remains, particularly at the tip.
The nasal skin is beginning to feel more natural again. Some firmness may remain as scar tissue softens over time. If you have areas of numbness or altered sensation, these will continue to improve.
Nasal congestion should have largely resolved by now. If you had functional work done (septoplasty, turbinate reduction), you may notice significant improvement in your breathing. Some subtle changes may continue for a few more months.
Your nose is beginning to reveal its refined shape, though the final appearance remains in flux:
The final result takes time - often up to a year - to truly reveal itself. The surgeon intentionally "overshoots" certain corrections during surgery, anticipating that post-operative swelling and scar tissue will add volume back. This is why patience is essential.
Your recovery speed partly depends on the surgical technique used:
Both approaches ultimately achieve excellent results - the difference is mainly in the early recovery timeline.
At 6 weeks, you can resume most forms of exercise including running, gym workouts, and swimming. Start gradually and listen to your body.
Many patients notice the change is subtle at this point - their nose harmonises with their facial features rather than standing out dramatically. This is the goal: natural-looking results that build confidence without looking "done."
If you compare your photos from week 1 to now, the difference should be striking. If you're looking at yourself daily, changes may seem imperceptible - this is normal.