What to Expect During Rhinoplasty Recovery

After rhinoplasty, or ‘nose reshaping,’ most people say the recovery was easier than they expected.  People usually return to work somewhere between 1-2 weeks after the procedure. The downtime largely depends on job requirements and considerations regarding the splint that must be worn for about a week.

On the day of surgery, patients should expect a mild headache and some nasal congestion.

Although we don’t use any packing inside your nose, which allows easier breathing, some congestion is normal during the first week due to swelling inside the nose.  During this time we ask patients to keep the inside of their nose moist with a saline nose spray.  This also helps to gently wash the inside of the nose.  It’s also important during this time to refrain from doing anything that will increase your blood pressure or heart rate.  

A small splint is worn on your nose to help protect it for one week.  If the bones were moved, than some bruising around your eyes can occur, which typically goes away in 7-10 days.  

A significant amount of swelling gets resolved during the first 2 weeks.  The majority of it will be gone in the first 2 months.  After that you will see subtle changes in your nose as the healing continues.  The tip of your nose may feel slightly numb and tingly at first, but these sensations will improve and disappear over the next 6 months to a year.

As long as you follow our post-operation instructions, you can usually return to normal social activities at about 10-14 days.