What is the recovery time after a small Nose Job? (only cartilage removing in the bridge and radix graft)

Question

Is there a difference in recovery time between a normal nose job and only cartilage removing and a radix graft? Bruising and Swelling...

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The stock answer is two weeks. This is due to 3 reasons. First, the bruising (regardless of how much or how little) is gone by 2 weeks. Secondly, about 1/3 of the swelling has resolved by then, which is enough that one doesn't look obviously swollen to the causal observer. Finally, the discomfort is minimal at 2 weeks, plus the fatigue most people experience has lessened enough that most can return to their usual life. However healing is a continuum. The common answer is all the healing has finished by a year. It's true the swelling doesn't fully resolve for 6 months to a year. However sometimes longer, if surgery is a revision or the skin is thick. The tissues shift during healing from natural scar contracture. There is progressively subtler shifting and settling over time. But this can extend way past a year, particularly if there has been over-resection, such that there is no longer sufficient strength to the underlying cartilages to support the nose. So with this in mind, the answer is 2 weeks before going back to work and one year for the final result.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Initial bruising and swelling after rhinoplasty will normally subside a sufficient amount after about 1 month. The overall healing time however can last up to 1 year. This may vary a little from one patient to another. Speak to your doctor for more information.Hope this helps!Dr. Ali Sajjadian

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This will depend upon how limited the dissection is.  A closed approach usually has less swelling.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

J. Kevin Duplechain, MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty recovery usually is about a week to begin driving and resuming normal life type activities.  This would include driving, returning  to work, and light activities around the home.  For about a week, a cast is usually applied along with internal splints if septal work is done.  Strenuous activity is usually limited for 4 - 6 weeks.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty recovery with and without nasal bone fracture is 1 week without and 2 weeks with if done by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually with rhinoplasty the recovery is about 1-2 weeks for most bruising to go away.  If you have bony work there will likely be more bruising and swelling.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A normal nose job usually requires osteotomies of the nasal bones, a cast with resultant swelling lasting approximately 2 weeks. Full healing on a rhinoplasty is one year. A touchup procedure with only removing a  radix graft would have less bruising and swelling and no cast  applied, so you the  swelling would be significantly less

What is the recovery time after a small Nose Job? (only cartilage removing in the bridge and radix graft)

Answers (7)

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