Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) Recovery

The recovery process of nose surgery aka Rhinoplasty is a bit more involved than most other plastic surgeries. Before you undertake one, be sure to familiarize yourself with the different stages.

What is the Rhinoplasty Recovery Process?

Immediately after the surgery you will be allowed to return home. A splint will be placed over the nose to support the new shape. Bleeding, bruising, and swelling are all common symptoms during the first few days of recovery. You will be instructed to keep your head elevated and stay in bed for proper drainage of the area.

During the first year, post-operative and as the wounds are healing, the tissues may shift moderately as they settle into being a new nose.

A dull aching pain will be lingering for a few days. A prescribed painkiller can make things better. In two to three days, the swelling and bruising around the eyes will peak. Ice packs or cold compresses can be applied to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Within two weeks these major symptoms should disappear completely.

The splint is usually removed along with any dressings in a few weeks. That's also the time that remaining sutures are removed.

How Long is the Recovery Process?

Most patients can get back to daily activities after a couple days and can aim to return to work in a week. It usually takes a few weeks to get back to good physical condition and months to fully heal.

Any activities that can contact the nose like sports should be avoided. Anything that can raise blood pressure like smoking, alcohol, and sexual relations should also be kept at a minimum for the first three weeks. Patients should also avoid blowing their nose, sunbathing, and rubbing their noses until they are fully healed.

Patients with prescription glasses should be weary of the fact that they cannot wear glasses on their nose for a long time. They'll have to be taped to the forehead or propped from the cheeks while the nose heals. Contact lenses are a good way to avoid this problem.

Immediately after the surgery you will be allowed to return home. A splint will be placed over the nose to support the new shape. Bleeding, bruising, and swelling are all common symptoms during the first few days of recovery.

Since the healing process is long and the final result isn't visible for many weeks, the recovery process for a nose surgery is all about patience. You should be aware that you'll be bandaged and sore for a long time.

If you are interested in learning more about a Rhinoplasty and perhaps even consulting with a board certified surgeon, simply call the toll free number at the top of this page or fill out the form below and an expert will reach out to you.