What can I expect during rhinoplasty recovery?

The evening of surgery-mostly sleeping and icing. Day 2 to 3: walking around in the house, watching TV, sedentary Day 4 to 7: walking in the back yard, doing phone and computer work Day 7: Splint comes off the nose. Back to work. Day 8 to 14: Walking for exercise Day 14 to 21: Running for exercise Day 21... more

I simply tell patients to avoid looking in the mirror for a few days. A lightweight cast is applied to the top of the nose to keep the cartilage and bone in place during healing, and gauze packing is inserted in the nose for one to two days to protect the septum from moving and to minimize bleeding. While I've... more

Most surgeons have a specific aftercare program for their patients, which works in their hands.  I concur with the general sentiment that Rhinoplasty recovery is rarely painful. However, it is important to remember that some rhinoplasties are relatively simple, others more complex, and recovery is... more

After rhinoplasty, most patients will require one week off work; primarily because of the obvious swelling and bruising around the eyes/nose, in addition to the splint which is removed at one week. From a pain standpoint, most patients will take narcotics for 3-4 days, but will likely stay away from most... more

The recovery after rhinoplasty varies for everyone. However, these are the general guidelines I give to patients. 1. It doesn't hurt as much as you would think. Most patients tell me the rhinoplasty wasn't as painful as they expected. 2. The first day is the most uncomfortable. You might have a little... more

Pain requiring narcotic pain medications is usually only significant for a few days after rhinoplasty.  Most patients complain of a dull, aching sensation that is present for 2-3 weeks after surgery. The amount of swelling you will experience depends on whether you have an open versus closed rhinoplasty.... more

It usually takes 2-3 weeks to recover from a rhinoplasty. A nasal splint is placed and worn for about a week after surgery. If an open rhinoplasty is performed, sutures are usually removed within 1 week.  Residual bruising lasts for about 2 weeks, Residual swelling may last months, but the majority will... more

After nasal surgery, you can expect the following: Nasal splint on the outside of the nose for 1 week Possible bruising (black eyes) - if present, will be visible for 2 to 3 weeks Bothersome swelling inside the nose for 2-4 weeks Swelling / edema notable to others for 1 month Swelling visible for you and your... more

Patients may have bruising and obivious swelling for 1-3 weeks. Ater this, although swelling exists, it usually subsides enough so that the nose does not look as though it has been injured.  Residual swelling may take as long as 6 months to totally subside.  However, this is relatively subtle and... more

Rhinoplasty recovery typically takes two weeks especially if bony work and internal work was done. The acute swelling following a rhinoplasty typically resolves within two weeks. After that, breathing may be compromised for up to 2 additional weeks and can sometimes take up to two months to return to normal... more