What can I expect during rhinoplasty recovery?

Like any surgery, Rhinoplasty is a little bit different for everybody. That’s why it is useful, and we encourage you, to talk to others who’ve had the procedure to get a sense of their experience. There are some common themes though, as far as recovery goes. Whatever technique is used (see our Blog... more

Immediately after surgery, we typically place steri-strip (tape) followed by a thermoplastic (custom contoured) splint or shell over the nose. Stitches may or may not be present on the columella (the bridge of tissue between the nostrils). I avoid packing the nose, and patients find this much more... more

The "downtime" following rhinoplasty is variable depending on what rhinoplasty techniques are used such as whether the surgery was performed open or closed, whether any tip work was performed, and whether the nasal bones were broken (osteotomies). Patients who undergo open rhinoplasty typically have... more

After rhinoplasty, a tape dressing and a protective shell will cover the bridge of the nose for 5 to7 days. This nose dressing is kept dry for a week, and Vaseline ointment is placed inside the nostril a few times a day.  No packing is used inside the nose, which means you can breathe through it, but you... 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

Most patients say that the post operative period is much easier than they thought it would be. Few have difficulty with pain. There is a period of nasal stuffiness due to internal swelling that usually goes away in 7 to 10 days. We usually recommend no heavy exercise for 2 weeks but allow post surgical... 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

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

There is rarely any pain after the surgery. Most of my patients do not take any pain medication after the operation. You will have a bandage on your nose for one week and some black and blue under your eyes that lasts a week to ten days. I will ask you not to do any vigorous exercise for three weeks, but you... more

The surgery itself is not significantly painful.  However, many patients experience a headache the first day after surgery.  Most patients will have some degree of visible bruising and swelling for the first two weeks after the surgery.  The cast will stay on for approximately one week. ... more