One Week Recovery Enough After Nose Job?

Here are is some general information about rhinoplasty recovery. Each patient is unique and so is their rhinoplasty... so every patient's recovery is a little bit different.
SWELLINGThe nose undergoes significant changes in the first 2 to 12 weeks following rhinoplasty. The swelling gradually dissipates over the first several months and thus the appearance of the nose changes gradually.

When the cast is removed after one week, the nose will look swollen.
Usually by the end of the second week, the swelling and bruising have subsided enough that the casual observer will not readily notice that the nose has been operated on.
To the patient, the nose will look swollen or "puffy" for several months.
By about 3-4 months, the majority of the swelling will be gone but will look larger in photographs.
It can take as long as a year for the final shape to become apparent.
You should give yourself several months if if there are any work or social engagements that would cause concern.

Swelling can persist during this time, particularly in the tip and over the area where a boney hump was removed. Following a hump removal during a rhinoplasty, it is very common for there to be excessive swelling over the central portion of the nasal bridge overlying the area where the boney hump was removed. This area often appears more swollen that the rest of the bridge and can remain swollen for several months. As a result, patients frequently worry that the bump will be permanent.Taping the bridge of the nose and the supratip area (area above the tip) can significantly reduce postoperative edema (swelling). Gentle pressure from the tape does two things. First, it can help 'press' out some of the swelling that results from trapped fluid in the tissues. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, pressure on the tissues causes the collagen fibers in scar tissue to become more organized, which reduces the volume of the swollen area.The most effective for taping is in the first six months after surgery. You should still get a benefit even if you havent started taping until 2 months after surgery.
It is very common for rhinoplasty patients to report (in the first several weeks after surgery) that their upper lip feels stiff and that it is difficult for them to smile. Fortunately, this resolves by itself in the first several weeks after surgery as the swelling subsides. Be patient, your smile should return to normal.
BRUISINGBruising and swelling are a normal part of rhinoplasty recovery. They are dependent on several factors related to both the surgical technique and the patient. Techniques that increase bruising and swelling include whether or not the nasal bones were broken (osteotomies), the extent of soft tissue dissection/elevation from the bony-cartilaginous framework, and whether the surgery was performed open or closed. Patient factors include age, skin thickness, nutrition, bleeding tendencies/disorders, and medications that thin the blood.
Obviously, not many of these variables are within the control of the patient; however the extent of the bruising and the severity of swelling can be minimized by following these tips:

Avoid any medications that thin the blood for a minimum of 2 weeks before surgery and do not resume them until your physician directs you to. These medications include (but are not limited to): aspirin, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatories, heparin, lovenox, coumadin, plavix.
Avoid multivitamins/herbal remedies/teas etc that contain high levels of Vitamin E, Ginseng, Ginko -- these can cause you to bleed more freely.
If you have a tendency to bleed or bruise easily, have a history of a bleeding disorder, or have a family member with a bleeding disorder, you should discuss this with your physician before surgery.
Ice packs to applied to the cheeks for the first 48 hours
Keep you head elevated higher than your heart. This will help minimize the amount of edema (swelling).
Avoid smoking
Herbal supplements such as bromelin, papaya extract, and arnica may be of benefit, but few studies have proven their effectiveness.
Sun exposure in the first several months following rhinoplasty can cause the skin of the nose to become red or "splotchy". It can also predispose you to getting sunburned more easily. For the first several months after rhinoplasty, patients should wear sunscreen and/or a hat to prevent the above mentioned problems.

CAST / SPLINT / PACKINGSurgeons frequently place an external splint on the exterior of the nose after surgery. The cast can help preserve the operative result and also can aid in reducing swelling. Most surgeons leave the cast in place for one week.

Hi,
One week should be enough time for you to recover from rhinoplasty and feel well enough to be back at school teaching. If you take one week off, try to schedule your surgery on a Friday morning so that you will have two weekends, making it about 10 days before you have to go back to school a week from that first Monday.
Certainly follow the instructions of your carefully selected rhinoplasty surgeon.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P