More than 350,000 people undergo rhinoplasty — a nose job — every year. If you’re preparing for rhinoplasty or considering it, you probably have questions about the recovery process.
Here’s what renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Elliott H. Rose, of The Aesthetic Surgery Center on the Upper East Side in New York City, says you should expect in the weeks and months following your surgery.
In the first 24-48 hours after surgery, you experience swelling and possibly some bruising around the eyes and nose. Dr. Rose bandages your nose right after surgery, and he may have placed a splint to support the new structure.
Prioritize rest during this period, and keep your head elevated to help minimize swelling. It’s normal to feel some discomfort, so we prescribe medications to help ease the pain.
By the end of the first week, you will likely return to the clinic for a follow-up visit. During this appointment, Dr. Rose may remove the external splint and assess the progress of your recovery.
You may notice significant swelling, but much of the initial bruising starts to fade. While you may begin to feel more comfortable, we advise that you continue to avoid strenuous activities.
Within two to three weeks after surgery, swelling and bruising gradually diminish, and you may start to look and feel more like yourself. Most people can return to non-strenuous work or activities within two weeks, although your nose is still healing. We recommend you avoid actions that stress the nose, like heavy lifting or bending over.
After a month, most of the visible swelling subsides, allowing you to return to a more normal routine. The internal healing process, however, continues. We may approve the introduction of gentle exercise, but contact sports and activities that risk impact to the face should still be avoided.
By the second and third month, the effects of your surgery continue to progress. Much more of the residual swelling reduces, particularly at the tip of the nose. You may begin to see the preliminary results of the surgery during this period. Dr. Rose recommends you continue to guard the area by keeping the area protected from the sun and avoiding any pressure on the nose.
While the majority of swelling may resolve within a few months, full recovery from rhinoplasty can take up to a year. Over this time, the tissues settle, and the final shape of your nose becomes more apparent. By the end of the first year, you enjoy the complete results of your rhinoplasty and feel confident in your enhanced appearance.
To help your recovery process, you should adhere strictly to Dr. Rose’s guidance when it comes to promoting healing and avoiding complications. Understand that your results appear gradually, and patience is critical during the recovery process.
Proper nutrition, hydration, and avoiding smoking can accelerate your healing and recovery. Use extra pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling.
We want you to know what to expect when it comes to recovering from rhinoplasty so you feel prepared and confident.
Schedule a consultation with us at The Aesthetic Surgery Center to benefit from the artful skills of Dr. Rose for rhinoplasty and other cosmetic facial surgery. Call or click to book your visit.
