Rhinoplasty Recovery
Taking Time to Recover
It is important to take recovery into account when planning for your rhinoplasty surgery. For the best results, you need to allow enough time for your body to heal before you continue your everyday routine. You should count on taking at least a week off work for recovery and avoiding strenuous activities for at least four weeks. In addition, for several months you should avoid activities where your nose may be hit.
The Day of Your Surgery
After your rhinoplasty, you will be taken to our recovery room, until you are awake. You will not be able to drive yourself home, and will need a ride from a friend or family member. We will give you detailed instructions verbally and in writing about how to care for your nose and dressings.
The First Week of Your Rhinoplasty Recovery
During your first week of recovery, it is important to take time off work and your normal routine to focus on healing. You may have a splint on your nose, and you may have packing inside your nostrils. You will likely have bruising and there will be swelling. It’s also common for patients to experience bleeding for the first few days and to feel as if there is more drainage than usual. While there is discomfort from a rhinoplasty, it can be controlled with pain medication. One week post op, you will return to the office for a follow-up visit where the packing and splint will be removed.
Full Rhinoplasty Recovery and Final Results
Although you can return to most activities after the fourth week of recovery from rhinoplasty, remember that you are not fully healed. Gradually ease yourself back into exercise, refraining from strenuous activity and avoiding any activity where you are likely to get hit in the nose until you have been cleared by your provider to resume these activities.
Although bruising typically disappears within the first couple weeks after surgery, swelling may persist after the procedure. Although your nose will likely look better immediately after surgery, your final results will not be visible until the healing process is complete, which may take up to a year.
To Answer Any Other Questions
Just as your rhinoplasty will be unique to you, so will your recovery, and we’ll be there to help you every step of the way. If you have any concerns about your healing process, your provider is always just one call away. If you have more questions about rhinoplasty recovery or you’re ready to explore your options, contact us to schedule your consultation.