Is the Swelling Expected to Fluctuate After Nose Surgery?

After rhinoplasty, the vast majority of the swelling, perhaps 70-80% resolves over the first 7-10 days. At this point, the nose is usually quite passable and patients can return to work or social situations. The remainder of the swelling gradually dissipates over the course of 12-18 months, as the nose becomes increasingly refined. 

You may have days, in particular in the morning, during which your nose appears slightly more swollen. I have found that a number of factors can contribute to this daily fluctuation, a phenomenon which can last for up to a year. These include: excessive sodium intake, alcohol, hot environments (saunas etc.), and flying (due to changes in cabin pressure). I usually advise my patients to avoid sodium-rich meals and alcohol for 1-2 days prior to a big event, such as a wedding or class reunion, if you want your nose to look as good as possible. On the night of the event you can eat and drink to your heart's content, as the swelling usually doesn't occur until the next morning!

Best wishes,

Dr. Mehta

Swelling is common after a rhinoplasty and can fluctuate.  Their are several ways to minimize fluctuations and improve swelling faster.  Some of these are as follows:


Avoid salty food

Taping nose at night- Nose tends to swell at night and taping at night can help decrease morning swelling

Avoiding the sun

Although most patients will find that their postoperative swelling gradual improves after surgery it is not uncommon to experience some fluctuation. 

In my experience some things that can lead to an increase in swelling during the recovery phase are:


sleeping in a non-elevated position or with the nose in a dependent position (i.e., aimed down)

an increase in general activity or exercising (anything leading to an increase in blood pressure will cause the nose to swell more)

increased sodium intake


The later point about sodium intake isn't commonly discussed but I recommend to all my patients that they follow a low sodium diet (1000 mg a day) temporarily after surgery. It's one of the few things that you can do to help they swelling and It really helps to improve the postoperative edema.

Importantly, if you are also experiencing a dramatic increase in pain or a fever you should be examined to make sure an infection isn't starting.