How Long Is Recovery From Rhinoplasty?
Part of ensuring a successful cosmetic surgery outcome is understanding what needs to happen after the operation is complete. Taking time for recovery is just as important to optimizing your results. When it comes to rhinoplasty, commonly known as nose reshaping surgery, the healing process involves a number of stages. Dr. Mark Richards will discuss what to expect in more detail during your initial consultation, but most patients will experience similar phases of recovery.
You should be able to return home a couple of hours after surgery. We encourage you to relax at home with your head elevated, catch up on some reading or TV shows, and avoid any strenuous activity for the first few days. Bruising, swelling, and mild tenderness in and around the nose is normal. Several follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check on your progress at various stages of healing.
Antibiotics and pain relievers may be necessary for the first day or two after surgery. If you have nasal packing, it is removed by day three. External nasal splints are removed by the seventh day. Most patients return to their normal work routine, depending on the duties involved, after about one week. Dr. Richards will let you know if there are any modifications in your instructions based on your individual specific treatment plan.
We recommend continuing to avoid moderate to intense exercise for about four to six weeks. After a few months, you will likely have a good idea of what the ultimate results will look like. However, some minor swelling will persist for six to 12 months. That said, most patients are unable to perceive this residual edema.
We welcome any questions you may have and encourage you to reach out to our plastic surgeon for more information or to schedule a consultation.