How long is recovery for a nose surgery? How long until I go back to work?

I utilize a closed technique, which permits most people to return to work in one week.  Select
a board certified plastic surgeon who is an expert at rhinoplasty.



Kenneth Hughes, MD

There are a lot of factors to take into account in regards to when you can return to work after nasal surgery.  Typically, you will have external as well as internal splints in place for approximately 1 week.  You will also likely have some degree of bruising and swelling, the most obvious of which should resolve in approximately 2 weeks.  In addition, I recommend you avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks after surgery.  If your job does not require strenuous activity, and you do not mind going back to work with splints and/or  bruising, you may be able to go back within 1 week as long as you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication.  If you do not want your coworkers to know you had nasal surgery, I suggest waiting approximately 2 weeks until the bruising has resolved. 

I use a closed technique which avoids external scars. This technique has been associated with less swelling and a faster resolution of swelling than the open technique. My patients have minimal bruising after 6-7 days. Most of my patients return to work 6-8 days after surgery and are completely fine. 

There are two different nasal operations for nose surgery:  closed rhinoplasty or open rhinoplasty.  The open rhinoplasty stays swollen and firm for much longer than the closed rhinoplasty.  With standard bone and cartilage work done with a closed rhinoplasty consider taking just over a week off.  With the open, I recommend up to two weeks off as the amount of work done typically is more.  Best Wishes!!

Hello.  Recovery after nasal surgery varies depending on the extent of surgery one has.  But in general, most patients need about 10-14 days. After 2 wks, you are cleared for work and strenuous exercise.  If you had your nasal bones cut (osteotomies), then you can still do anything you want but must be careful about certain activities that carry higher risk of disrupting your results.  For example, contact sports like basketball, soccer, or volleyball may not be prudent in the first two months.  Take care.