Finally getting my nose straightened. What's the recovery time? (Photo)

Question

Im not sure if I broke my nose as a kid playing sports and just didn't notice or if it grew slightly off center but I've been considering straightening my nose for quite some time. What's the recover time in general? and is correcting a curvature more difficult than shaving down a bump? What do I do if it's still ofcenter post surgery?

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Straightening a nose on front view is much more complicated than removing a hump.
The cause of the curve may be related to a deviated septum and repair may require cartilage grafts from your septum as well.
 It's unlikely that the nose can be made perfectly straight but it can often be improved enough that you would be satisfied. Have an honest discussion with your surgeon about what to expect.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Garry99,Thank you for your question. Fixing a crooked nose is more difficult than shaving down a bump and so I would recommend finding surgeons with a lot of experience in that department. In terms of recovery, I tell my patients that there will be swelling and some bruising for around two weeks post rhinoplasty and to take off work for around a week. Full recovery in terms of swelling can take up to one year. Best regards,Nima Shemirani

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

Yes, I can see how your nose is quite crooked with a reverse-C type deviation. It is more complicated to straighten a crooked nose than to just smooth a bridge bump. The typically recovery time from rhinoplasty (time off work) is usually about 7-10 days, though people who can work from home are often able to do that during the first week even.It's very hard to get the nose perfectly straight as almost everybody has some level of asymmetry to their nose. You'd want to find a rhinoplasty surgeon who is adept at doing this type of surgery. You may also have a crooked septum inside your nose that is contributing to the issue as well. That would require an in office visit to assess further, though.In the meantime you can learn more about crooked nose repair at my web reference link below.

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

Recovery for this surgery can vary from person to person.  In general, you will have an external (and possible internal) nasal splints for approximately 1 week.  You will likely have bruising and noticeable swelling for approximately 2 weeks, although it can take a full year for all of the swelling to resolve. You can likely begin to resume full strenuous activity around 3-4 weeks.  Often, people who work from home can resume a few days after surgery once they are off pain medications.  I recommend you schedule a consultation with a surgeon for details as each surgeon has their own recommendations.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Straightening the crooked nose can be accomplished with a closed rhinoplasty approach which involves making all  of the incisions on the inside of the nose. There are no external incisions. To straighten the nose requires osteotomies placed in the nasal bones, a spreader graft placed underneath the concave upper lateral cartilage in the midportion of the nose, and sometimes the nasal tip cartilages must be adjusted when they are crooked and asymmetric as well. The dorsal hump is composed of both bone and cartilage and can be shaved down.  In our practice,anticipate a cast placed across the bridge of the nose for one week, and no packing placed inside the nose. Visible bruising and swelling present for approximately 10 to 14 days, and the majority of the  swelling will have subsided within the first month or two. Full healing does take one year. It's also important to evaluate the internal portion of the nose for a deviated septum when the external portion is deviated as well. Rhinoplasty for the crooked nose is a very difficult endeavor, so choose your surgeon wisely based on extensive experience. For more information and many before and after examples of crooked nose repair from our practice, please see the link and the video below

J. David Kriet, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. The initial recovery period is typically 7-10 days. I tell my patients that they may resume light exercise 2-3 weeks after surgery and then gradually increase their activity. While the nose is fairly stable 6-8 weeks after surgery, some residual tip swelling may last for 12 months or longer. Correcting a "curved" or crooked nose can be challenging because of the tissue memory and frequently involves a combination of osteotomies to straighten the upper bones as well as grafting to the lower cartilage portion. Chances are excellent to improve your curvature but it is not always possible to have a "perfectly" straight nose. Having realistic expectations and a detailed preoperative discussion with your surgeon will produce the most rewarding outcome.
Good luck!

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I tell my patients to allow about 10 days after surgery before they will feel comfortable around friends and colleagues. Select a rhinoplasty expert because straightening a crooked nose is more difficult than removing a hump. Every surgeon has a different approach re revisions if they are necessary; discuss this at the time of your consultation.

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