Recovery happens in overlapping stages. The first week involves the most visible healing — your splint comes off, initial swelling and bruising peak then begin subsiding, and you'll have your first follow-up visit. Weeks two through four bring continued improvement in swelling, with most patients feeling comfortable resuming normal daily activities and looking presentable in public.
From there, refinement continues more gradually — most residual swelling resolves within 2-3 months, while the subtlest changes, particularly in the tip, can continue for up to a year. This extended timeline is completely normal and not a sign anything is wrong.
Consultation Tip
Plan your major life events — weddings, professional photos, important travel — with this extended timeline in mind, particularly if you want your absolute final result visible.
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— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery