Rhinoplasty recovery is as unique to the individual as the procedure itself. For some, a nose job may require only minor adjustments to achieve your goals. Meanwhile, others require an entire reshaping of the cartilage and tissue.
Some recovery recommendations remain true regardless of the simplicity or complexity of your procedure. Most people experience swelling, bruising, and difficulty breathing through their noses. Your surgeon will advise you on modifying your activity level and supply other recommendations for the various stages of your recovery.
Keep reading for an explanation of the standard rhinoplasty recovery timeline, from the day you get out of surgery to the day your nose is fully healed.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
Recovery from rhinoplasty isn’t complete until a full year after your procedure. While nose jobs may be considered one of the most common plastic surgeries, the complexity of the nose’s anatomy makes aftercare especially consequential.
Always follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully and contact them if you experience any unusual pain or side effects – especially in the first 7 to 10 days.
Days 1 – 3
Most rhinoplasty recipients are ready to go home on the day of surgery. Since the procedure requires a general anesthetic, you will want to have someone drive you home and keep an eye on you. The anesthetic and pain medication used during surgery should wear off a couple of hours after your procedure.
Days one, two, and three are the most uncomfortable. You will most likely experience some pain and swelling in the face. Your surgeon will supply a prescription painkiller, which you can take as instructed to get through the worst of the discomfort.
For about 10 minutes every hour, you should apply ice to the area around the nose, but not directly on it. You want to avoid touching or bumping the nose for the first few weeks.
You mustn’t blow your nose. If you find that your nose is dripping, dab lightly beneath the nose with a tissue.
You will want to sleep with your head slightly elevated (using two to three pillows) and avoid any strenuous activity that may cause you to sweat or breathe heavily. Most surgeons will recommend taking a few days off from work to give your body the time and rest it needs to heal quickly!
Despite the extra precautions, you do not have to stay bedridden for your nose to recover. Feel free to move slowly around your house.
Days 4 – 10
Most of the pain and swelling will begin to subside after 72 hours. You may have significant bruising around the eyes but should feel comfortable returning to work and resuming day-to-day activities. Continue to avoid strenuous exercise and any activity that may cause you to bump your nose accidentally.
To support faster healing, you may want to continue sleeping with your head elevated through day 10. However, you can discontinue using ice after the first three days. If your surgeon used a splint, they will most likely remove it at the end of the first week.
Most of the facial bruising and swelling disappear within 7-10 days. But while the initial phase of healing is complete, keep in mind that the result of your rhinoplasty may not become evident until the swelling fully subsides after three months to a year.
Weeks 2 – 4
You can start low-impact exercise around week two. Start slow and avoid any activities that may cause you to bump your nose, including contact group sports like football and rugby. Consult with your surgeon before resuming any cardiovascular workouts.
By week four, you should be able to do light running and weightlifting. Continue to avoid any activity that makes you breathe too heavily. Remain conscious that your nose is still healing and stop immediately if you feel any pain or have difficulty breathing.
Weeks 5 – 8
The results of your rhinoplasty should be visible around week five as any residual swelling or bruising resolves itself. Swelling disappears from the top down, since the top of the nose has thinner skin. Nasal swelling at the tip will take longer to fade.
At week six, you can start doing more strenuous physical activity, including heavy weightlifting, running, and resistance training, as long as you consult your surgeon beforehand.
Month Three
It takes about three months for the skin raised during your rhinoplasty to return to normal. Your nose job is 80-90% healed as the more subtle adjustments your surgeon made become visible. The appearance of your nose is comparable to the final result, with more refined results appearing in the months to come.
Year One
At this point, all of the nasal swelling is gone, and the final results are visible. You may notice the most difference in the tip of the nose. Most surgeons will not consider a revision rhinoplasty until a year after your initial surgery because it takes that long to see the final results.
Support Healing Post-Operatively
You may wonder if it’s possible to support your rhinoplasty recovery in ways that don’t involve dealing with the inevitable pain, swelling, and bruising.
Bolstering the body’s natural healing processes with a few simple lifestyle changes can speed up your recovery and support the body’s immune system.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These healthy foods reduce inflammation to counter the increased swelling and bruising.
Movement is also a key component of recovery after surgery. Moving around increases circulation to help the body get rid of harmful substances faster. It supports a healthy immune system and may help speed up your recovery.
It may be difficult to sleep the first few days, especially with the added pillows bolstering your head. But sleep is a crucial component of rhinoplasty recovery. It will soothe stress or anxiety while supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Dr. Gordon specializes in procedures that reconstruct the face and neck, including rhinoplasty. He performs plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Retreat at Split Rock in Connecticut and New York. For more information about rhinoplasty recovery, contact us to schedule a consultation.
