How long is a typical recovery from a septoplasty, reduction and rhinoplasty procedure? How long would I have to be out of work?

The recovery time for septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgery varies from person to person and is also related to many different conditions. I am going to explain this in a systematical approach:
First of all, a nose job shows its final result in 1 year. It sometimes even takes up to 2 years for some patients for their nose to have its final shape post surgery. Typically, you get operated, have your cast removed in 5-7 days and will have your nose swelling start to decline with time. I generally tell my patients that 70% of  swelling will be gone in 1 month, 90% in 3-6 months, 99% in 1 year and 100% in 2 years. However there are some factors contributing to this recovery:
1. Surgery: The technique used and the delicacy the surgeon utilized has a great role in how minimal your swelling will be and how quick your recovery shall be.
2. Skin thickness: The thicker your nasal skin, the longer your swelling takes to go away and hence the longer your recovery period. The thinner your skin is, the shorter this period will be and the quicker you will see your final results.
3. Bleeding: If you have bleeding disorders and/or are operated close to or throughout your menstrual period, you are more prone to swelling and therefore a longer recovery period.
In summary, you will be required to rest for 3-5 days, although you can go out for a coffee to meet friends, have your cast removed in a week after which you can return to your own country (get in a flight) with no trouble. You can start to work immediately after this period in case your job does not imply a risk of trauma to your face.
Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Most patients are back to work after a week. Recovery is very individual. It is best to avoid aspirin, advil, fish oil for two weeks before the procedure. Ice compresses for the first 48 hours can help reduce swelling. Some patients who share their experience with their coworkers may go back just a day or two after the procedure. Typically splints on the nose are left on for 5-7 days, so many patients prefer to go back after the splint is removed. Full activity is resumed by 6 weeks generally.

The average recovery before going back to work would be 7-10 days. If the work is strenuous, it might stretch to two weeks. Typically, there is some bruising that goes up for a couple days and then starts going down. By one week, most of it is gone. A well performed rhinoplasty/septoplasty should leave you with significantly better breathing than before