What is the Recovery Time After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery reshapes the nose to improve cosmetic or functional issues that impact your quality of life. Recovery varies depending on the individual and the extent of their procedure, so it's best to work with a surgeon who can ensure your comfort throughout the process.

It may take two weeks or longer to recover from rhinoplasty surgery. The board-certified surgeons in The Rhinoplasty Society can provide more information and resources on what to expect during a consultation. Schedule a consultation and see why countless individuals choose us for their rhinoplasty needs.

How we perform rhinoplasty surgery

Many techniques can be used to perform rhinoplasty surgery, and the best approach depends on the individual's specific goals and facial anatomy. A surgeon will evaluate your unique situation and plan the best approach possible during an assessment.

Most nose reshaping procedures involve making incisions inside the nose (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella, the strip of skin between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty). Once the incisions are made, we may separate the skin from the underlying bone and cartilage. This gives us access to reshape the area as needed.

Day one of rhinoplasty recovery

Once the desired changes have been made, your surgeon may close the incisions and place a splint on the outside of the structure for better support during healing. Patients are placed in a recovery area where they are monitored for a short period. Surgeons at The Rhinoplasty Society will provide a set of detailed post-operative instructions to follow in the following days and weeks before patients are released home.

Week one of rhinoplasty recovery

Swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose are normal side effects of rhinoplasty surgery. However, they can make it challenging to breathe through the nose for the first week or so. We can prescribe pain medications and recommend sleeping with your head elevated to help keep you comfortable.

Avoid blowing your nose and wearing glasses to reduce your risk of re-injuring the nose. Most patients feel ready to return to light activities by the end of week one, but do not push yourself too hard.

Weeks two to three of rhinoplasty recovery

Continue to follow post-surgical guidelines and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing from nose reshaping. Your surgeon may remove any splints by this point. Strenuous workouts could still cause discomfort, so wait until you have been cleared by your surgeon before returning to the gym.

Swelling will continue to subside but may not be gone for several months up to a year. Avoid contact sports or exercises that could result in a blow to the face.

Months three and beyond of rhinoplasty recovery

Most patients feel confident in their rhinoplasty results by this point and can return to all pre-surgical activities. However, it's still important to avoid any trauma to the nose. Patients should always contact their surgeon if they have any questions or concerns that may arise during the recovery process.

Recover safely from rhinoplasty surgery

Rhinoplasty surgery can be life-changing, and The Rhinoplasty Society is here to guide you through the process from start to finish. Our board-certified surgeons are trusted leaders in the field of nose reshaping and can help achieve the results you have always wanted. Schedule a consultation today to get started. We look forward to helping meet your needs.