If you’re considering rhinoplasty to improve your facial aesthetic, it’s important to understand the recovery process. This part of your rhinoplasty journey is critical in reaching your desired results.
Depending on how you take care of your nose, your recovery could be quick and easy or long and potentially harmful. Below are specific timelines, swelling stages, and recovery tips to better understand the rhinoplasty recovery process.
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Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
Rhinoplasty Recovery: Week 1
All patients have swelling, and some may have visible bruising, especially under the eyes, on the first day postoperatively. The nose itself will have tape and a splint, which are meant to help with swelling.
We recommend that patients put cold compresses over each eye and cheek for approximately 30 min on and 30 min off. You can repeat this for the first 4 hours after surgery. Additionally, patients should take it easy and refrain from working out or lifting anything greater than ten pounds. On postoperative day five or seven, the splint and sutures will be removed.
You can expect to experience swelling inside the nose, which normally manifests as feeling congested or stuffy and often resolves after two weeks. However, if any functional work was done to the inside of the nose, like a septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or sinus surgery, this could last up to a month.
Rhinoplasty Recovery: Week 2
During the second week of your rhinoplasty recovery time, the bruising, soreness, and swelling will continue to improve. Most patients can return to exercising at this point. For the best results, it’s important to follow your doctor’s postoperative care instructions and ask any questions if you’re unsure about what’s safe to do.
Rhinoplasty Recovery: Month 1- 12
After one month, life should be back to normal. Nearly all of your discomfort or signs of surgery should be gone. That said, avoiding extended time in the sun or contact sports is still important. Bruising and discomfort are commonly resolved within the first month.
You should reach your final results in 6-9 months. However, scar tissue may still be settling for up to a year and can cause some swelling. This swelling is usually centralized at the tip of the nose and barely visible. Once you reach a year after your rhinoplasty, you can be confident that your nose is done with the healing stages.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips
Rhinoplasty recovery doesn’t happen overnight. There are many steps and factors that play a role in your recovery. Below are some tips to help you get through the recovery process without any problems.
Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions
Following your rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon will have several instructions for you to follow, including what medications to take, how to care for the surgical site, and when to come back for follow-up appointments. You should not deviate from your surgeon’s recovery instructions because doing so can negatively affect your healing process.
Additionally, you should not take any painkillers without approval as they may not be safe to take with your other medications. Your plastic surgeon is the best person to give advice and direction on how to best recover from your rhinoplasty.
Take Baths
You should avoid showering following the first few weeks after your rhinoplasty. The hot water spray can be painful, and the splint and bandages covering your nose aren’t meant to get wet. Instead, opt for baths.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Don’t sleep on your side or stomach after your rhinoplasty. This pressure on your nose could cause further swelling and bruising, prolonging your recovery time. It could even displace your nasal bones in more severe cases because it isn’t fully healed. When you sleep, rest on your back and prop your head up with at least two pillows or sleep in a reclining chair.
Don’t Blow Your Nose
Blowing your nose after rhinoplasty can be very harmful because it could disrupt the structures keeping your nose in place. If you dislodge or shift one of these structures, it could cause great discomfort, impacted results, or prolonged recovery. Gentle wiping and dabbing is the best way to take care of this issue while your nose is healing.
Avoid Overexposure to Sunlight
Your nose will be significantly more sensitive to sunlight after rhinoplasty. Prolonged sun exposure could cause sunburn, increased swelling, and darkened scarring. It’s best to wear a hat, stay in the shade, and limit time spent outside.
Go For a Walk
While it’s critical to avoid overexposure to sunlight, it’s also important to move your body. Going for a short walk outdoors can help blood circulation, which can reduce swelling and promote healing. It’s also a great way to reduce stress during your rhinoplasty recovery. We recommend discussing this with Dr. Dominic, as every patient’s surgery differs.
Ice Your Nose
To help with swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheeks. Avoid placing the ice directly on your nose, as this could disrupt the position or stint placement. Don’t leave the cold compress on for too long, as this could cause discomfort or a mild burn.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking will negatively affect your rhinoplasty recovery period. It will limit blood flow and make it harder for your body to heal, which could prolong your recovery or cause discomfort.
Why You Should Choose Elite Facial Plastic Surgery
Our facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Dominic Castellano, is double-board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology (head-neck surgery). With his experience performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries like rhinoplasty, you can rest assured you’re in good hands.
Dr. Castellano continues to deliver exceptional results, and in 2019 and 2022, he earned the Top Doc award for facial plastic surgery in Tampa by Tampa Magazine. When you’re ready to invest in yourself, choose Elite Facial Plastic Surgery and contact us today for a complimentary rhinoplasty consultation.
Rhinoplasty Recovery FAQ
Can I touch my nose after rhinoplasty?
Don’t touch your nose after your rhinoplasty procedure. You’ll be curious to see results or monitor swelling beneath the stint and bandages, but avoiding any contact with your nose is best. Pushing and poking your nose could disrupt the structures that keep your nose stable and negatively affect your rhinoplasty results.
How do you clean your nose after rhinoplasty?
Your plastic surgeon will show you the best way to clean your nose after rhinoplasty. However, you are typically given a saline rinse to clean your nose. You can also use a Q-tip to gently remove blood from your nose. Contact your plastic surgeon for more specific information on cleaning your nose.
What happens if you cry after a nose job?
Crying can be very harmful to your rhinoplasty recovery and is highly discouraged if possible. Your nasal muscles constrict when you cry, increasing swelling and disrupting structures supporting your nose.
Can I brush my teeth after rhinoplasty?
You can brush your teeth following nose jobs, but it’s important to be gentle as you brush, so you don’t move your upper lip too much. Go slowly and try not to make any movement that will impact your nose.
Why does my nose smell after rhinoplasty?
Your nose may smell bad after nose reshaping procedure due to the stitches inside your nasal passage. It could also smell due to the scabbing taking place during recovery, which is natural.
