Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline and Tips for a Smooth Healing Process

We all want to feel confident, beautiful, and secure in our skin. But sometimes, a bump on the nose or a drooping tip can hold you back from feeling your best. Rhinoplasties, also known as nose jobs, are among some of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, especially among those aged 20-49 — this group represents 75% of all rhinoplasties.

Also known as nose reshaping, a rhinoplasty is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. The procedure is done by reducing the size or width of your nose with a simple surgical procedure, removing any bumps or humps in the bridge. Rhinoplasties are often done to correct any medical conditions obstructing your breathing (such as a deviated septum).

A Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline

While rhinoplasty is a relatively simple procedure, it is still a nose surgery that requires a recovery period. After a procedure with general or local anesthesia with sedation here in our office, you’ll be able to go home the same day to rest and recover.

Below, we break down what to expect in the days and weeks after your procedure.

Immediate Post-Op (First 24 Hours)

On the day of your surgery, be prepared to rest and restore after the procedure. You’ll be carefully monitored in the recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. Nausea, grogginess, and a slight headache are common. Your surgeon will place a splint on your nose on the initial day to reduce swelling and ensure proper healing. A bandage is also placed to protect the nose which should be kept on for a week. Expect bruising and swelling around your nose and eyes, as well as some bleeding. It’s important to have a loved one with you who will help you get home. Expect pain and discomfort this day, as this is the worst part. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you with inflammation and discomfort.

First Week

The day after your surgery, the internal splint comes out, so expect swelling and slight bruising. During this time, it’s essential to use a cold compress and take special care when washing and moisturizing the nose area to avoid complications. Your nasal passages may be congested for a while but will subside once the swelling goes down. Plan to relax and avoid any strenuous activity during this time. Remember, this is the worst part of the process, so rest assured that as you relax and give it time, you’ll feel better every day.

Tip: Factor in at least one week of recovery before returning to work or school.

One to Three Weeks

One week after your surgery, your sutures and external splint come out. During this period, you’ll probably notice a significant reduction in swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes. Most patients see a gradual nose shape difference and a change in their appearance over the first few weeks post-op as the tissues heal and the swelling continues to disappear. Still, avoid strenuous activity during this time until your doctor says it’s okay.

One to Three Months

Most of the swelling will subside within 3-4 weeks post-op, and it’s essential to follow up with your doctor as your healing process continues. In 3-4 weeks, you’ll understand what your nose will look like, but it can take up to a year to see the final result. During this time, your nasal passages should open again, and your breathing should feel normal. You should also be able to return to your normal physical activities as long as your doctor clears it for you.

One Year and Beyond

By the one-year mark and beyond, you should be able to enjoy the full benefits of your rhinoplasty surgery with minimal lingering effects. All swelling should be resolved entirely, including puffiness. This is where your final nose shape will emerge! You’ll be fully healed and enjoy your new nose shape and increased confidence. Be sure to follow proper skincare tips, use sunscreen, and avoid nose trauma.

Tips for a Faster, Smoother Recovery

Regardless of the type of rhinoplasty you undergo, following these crucial tips can help you feel better and heal faster:

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions Meticulously

Your surgeon will provide recovery instructions and tips based on your specific lifestyle, activity level, and medical history — follow these instructions closely. It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments following your surgery, stay rested, avoid strenuous activity, and take any necessary pain medications to help reduce swelling and pain as you’re recuperating.

Stay Hydrated and Eat a Healthy Diet

Aim to drink eight glasses of purified water daily to flush out toxins and keep the body’s healing process running smoothly. Nourish your body with whole foods, healthy proteins, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to keep the immune system strong — and to promote a faster recovery.

Shift Your Sleep Position and Get Plenty of Rest

Rest is the best antidote after a rhinoplasty procedure. For optimal post-op care, let yourself sleep, rest, lie around, and watch TV for the first 1-2 weeks. Elevate your head while sleeping to help reduce swelling and minimize congestion. You’ll also feel more comfortable and be able to get a better night’s sleep in this elevated position.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

Stay on the couch for the first 1-2 weeks. Exercising or lifting heavy objects too soon may cause complications and slow your healing process. Talk to your doctor before returning to your regular exercise regimen, and ease into your routine much slower than you think to play it safe. A great alternative to strenuous exercise is going for a walk. By doing this, you’re gently increasing blood flow throughout your body, allowing fluids to circulate, which will prevent buildup around the nose.

Bonus Tips

While it may not always be possible, try to avoid blowing your nose, getting too much sun exposure, or wearing glasses to speed up healing.

Common Side Effects to Expect

Like any plastic surgery, there are potential side effects that may arise throughout the first few weeks of recovery. While they are not serious, it’s important to know what to expect before undergoing the procedure. Here are the most common side effects:

Bleeding: This may seem alarming, but minor bleeding is expected immediately following your surgery up to a few days after.
Uneven Swelling: In the first few days, it’s common to have more swelling on one side of your nose than the other, but this typically resolves within a couple of weeks.
Bruising: Bruising around the nose and eyes is common, especially in the first week post-surgery. This typically fades within two weeks, but it can vary depending on the individual.
Nasal Congestion: You may experience nasal congestion due to internal swelling. This can make breathing through your nose difficult initially, but should improve as the swelling decreases.
Tenderness and Discomfort: Some tenderness, pressure, and discomfort around the nose area are expected. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort during the initial recovery period.
Numbness: Temporary numbness around the nose, upper lip, or even teeth can occur. Sensation usually returns gradually over a few weeks to months.
Psychological Effects: The recovery process can be an emotional journey. It’s common to experience a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety or even mild depression, as you adjust to your new appearance. It can take some time to adjust to your new look, especially while in recovery.

When to Seek Medical Help

As with any surgery, there will always be a risk of infection. If your swelling or redness gets significantly worse after a few weeks or if you have a fever, pus drainage, or uncontrollable bleeding, seek your doctor’s help immediately to rule out infection.

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty: How Recovery Differs

When planning your rhinoplasty, it’s important to understand the differences between open and closed techniques, as these can impact your recovery process.

An open rhinoplasty involves a small external incision on the columella (the tissue between the nostrils). This approach provides better visibility for the surgeon to make precise changes, but can affect recovery in the following ways:

Visual Incision Scar: While there is a small scar from the incision, with proper care, this scar disappears over time.
Longer Swelling: Due to the more extensive nature of the surgery, open rhinoplasty typically results in more significant and longer lasting swelling compared to closed rhinoplasty.
Longer Healing Time: While initial recovery might take around 2-3 weeks, the final results may take up to a year to fully manifest as the swelling subsides and the tissues settle.

With a closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, all incisions are made within the nostrils. This technique tends to offer a quicker and less visible recovery process:

No External Scarring: Since all incisions are internal, there are no visible scars.
Reduced Swelling: Swelling is typically less pronounced with closed rhinoplasty. As a result, the nose starts to take on its new shape more quickly compared to the open technique.
Shorter Healing Time: The initial recovery period for closed rhinoplasty is generally shorter. Full recovery and final results can still take up to a year, but the process is usually faster and less cumbersome.

How Painful is Recovering From Rhinoplasty?

Most patients reported feeling more discomfort than severe pain following their rhinoplasty. You may feel pressure and tightness as the face and nose area heal. This can be managed by the correct pain medication for you as prescribed by your doctor or surgeon. You can expect a stuffy, congested nose where breathing may be more difficult than normal, as well as headaches as a result of swelling and congestion. Talk with your surgeon about your post-op care and what to expect.

How Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group Can Help

If you’re ready to start your rhinoplasty journey, then BCSG can help. Our board-certified surgeon is ready to discuss your dreams and goals, as well as any concerns you have. Schedule a consultation today and take a tour of our beautiful Merritt Island, FL facility.