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

Question

Also, I realize that nothing guaranteed, but is there a good chance that breathing will improve dramatically?

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

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

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

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

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

There is some degree of bruising and swelling around your eyes and in your cheeks after rhinoplasty surgery. With artful concealer, most of our patients may leave our office after their "reveal" 7 days postoperative, and go out for lunch with a friend without calling attention. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello,
Depending on the type of rhinoplasty and the amount of work done dictates how long someone recovers from a rhinoplasty. With saying that, 1 week post op you will be recovering with a cast over your nose (no cast if only breathing surgery performed).  Most patients require NO pain medication after day 1-2. You are surprisingly comfortable usually with little to no swelling and minimal to no bruising. ~50% of our patients get NO bruising at all; the other ~50% get minimal bruising that is usually completely gone by the day the cast comes off. 1-6 weeks post op includes you resuming all normal functional activities such as work, socializing and light physical activity. Heavy physical activity (running, jogging, heavy weight lifting, downward face poses for yoga/pilates) are restricted until after week 6. During this time the minor swelling of the nose will slowly start to subside (but even with the swelling, the nose generally still looks smaller than it did pre-operatively). 6 weeks to 1 year post op includes dorsum healing and final swelling to go down. 
Best of luck,
Deepak Dugar, MD
Scarless Rhinoplasty Expert
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I think that at 7 days or so, which usually coincides with removal of the splint, nonstrenuous activities such as work may be resumed.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Most of the immediate recovery after nasal surgery, such as septoplasty and rhinoplasty, takes about 7-10 days. While some patients have gone to work within 24 hours, most patients plan about a week off work or school. Cast and splints come off about 1 week after surgery. Heavy lifting, exercise, and sex can be resumed after about 2 weeks from nasal surgery. Contact sports is generally allowed after 6 weeks. Each plastic surgoen has his/her own routine care instructions after rhinoplasty. Be sure to follow their instructions. Breathing may get better immediately after surgery, but normally may take some time to appreciate due to expected swelling.Best,Dr. Chaboki

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

Typically, we ask patients to take 7-10 days off from work to recover.  The internal nasal splints and external nasal cast are removed within 7 days.  Swelling and bruising are partially resolved at this time and can camouflaged with makeup.  Internal nasal swelling can take a number of weeks to subside, and breathing will typically be worse immediately after your procedure.  Septoplasty, is a functional nasal surgery, meaning it is performed to open the nasal airway and improve breathing.  Your final degree of improvement seen after septoplasty is dependent on the degree of septal deviation and nasal obstruction present prior to surgery.  Patients with severe deviation will get marked improvements in breathing after the procedure.  Other factors beyond the nasal septum play a role in your ability to breath through your nose.  Functional issues like enlarged turbinates, as well as allergic nasal issues also play a role.  I suggest you followup with a board certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in nasal surgery.  Good Luck

David Mattos, MD · Answer

As long as your job does not involve any heavy lifting, most of my patients can go back to work about a week after surgery. If you are constantly lifting heavy objects, could fall or hurt yourself, etc. I would wait  4 weeks before returning to full work with heavy lifting, and 2 months before you do anything that could be considered a contact sport. 
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

Julian De Silva, MD · Answer

While every surgery is different in terms of expected recovery time, following a rhinoplasty procedure I typically advise patients to take a week off from work. If you're very concerned about swelling, 2 weeks may be advisable because by this time all major swelling will have reduced a great deal. During this period of time off from work or school you should rest as much as possible. Sleeping in an elevated position and icing your nose is also recommended. By visiting a board-certified plastic surgeon and rhinoplasty expert you'll establish a better understanding of an aesthetic outcome and downtime expectations, in addition to improved breathing expectations post surgery.

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