Whether you require nose surgery to correct a breathing issue or you’ve always wanted a “nose job” to alter the shape or size of your nose, rhinoplasty can provide permanent improvements. In fact, it’s one of the most life-changing cosmetic surgeries available to patients.
Frequently, when patients are inquiring about rhinoplasty, one of their main concerns is in regards to recovery.
Up ahead, we’ll take a deep dive into what you should expect during recovery from rhinoplasty, including how long it will take to heal, what type of scarring you might have, and when you should start seeing your rhinoplasty results.
What to Expect During Rhinoplasty Recovery
Patience is key when it comes to recovering from rhinoplasty. Eventually, the initial symptoms will dissipate, and slowly, you’ll begin to see your beautiful results. Here’s what to expect in the interim.
What Happens Right After Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is generally an outpatient surgery. This means you’ll be able to return home on the same day as your procedure.
Directly after your surgery, you will go home with bandages covering your nose. The bandages will include some paper tapes and a small cast. This will protect your nose and reduce the chances of an injury. It will also help reduce swelling. You will likely have a small splint made of soft plastic inside your nose as well. This can help contribute to swelling reduction during the first week.
Bruising is another symptom you’ll likely experience. Bruising may occur around the eyes, especially if the bone was adjusted during surgery. Bruising generally goes down in the span of a week.
How Long Does a Rhinoplasty Take to Heal?
It’s crucial to follow the instructions that Dr. Lahar will provide you with for the recovery period. You’ll need to rest, primarily.
After about a week, you’ll be able to see your new nose for the first time in Dr. Lahar’s office. The bandages will be removed, along with the internal splint and stitches (if any). What you’ll see will not be the final size and shape of your nose, however, you’ll be able to see some improvements.
After about two weeks, patients will see the main swelling decrease significantly. At this point, there will still be some moderate swelling, but you’ll be able to see a good representation of what your results will look like.
To heal entirely after rhinoplasty may take up to a year or longer.
How to Take Care of Your Nose After Rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, focus on taking it easy. Stay at home, and make up a comfortable place to spend your time during the day — either in bed or on the couch.
Keep your head elevated, and avoid sudden movements and extreme expressions in your face. Gentle salt water rinses can be used to keep the nostrils clean. You’ll want to avoid blowing your nose for the first few weeks.
Is Rhinoplasty Recovery Painful?
How painful your rhinoplasty is will depend on several factors, including what type of procedure you undergo and your individual anatomy. It will also depend on what type of rhinoplasty you have: open or closed.
Packing the nose often causes a significant amount of pain after surgery, so not doing this can help with discomfort. Experienced rhinoplasty surgeons usually don’t need to pack the nose after surgery.
What to Expect 3 Weeks After Rhinoplasty
By the three-week mark, you should see a notable improvement in swelling and significant changes in the appearance of your nose. Some patients may feel a bit self-conscious during this period. They’re wondering what their nose is going to ultimately look like and may feel awkward. This is normal and should go away as your nose continues to heal.
Even at three weeks post-surgery, you should be careful about your physical activity. While Dr. Lahar may allow some light exercise, you need to be generally cautious of lifting too much or exerting yourself.
Planning for Your Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic facial surgeries available today. If you are still in the beginning phases of considering this procedure for yourself, here are some things to keep in mind.
What Rhinoplasty Can Do
There are two main reasons to get rhinoplasty: function and aesthetics.
To improve the function of your nose, rhinoplasty can restore the full use of the nasal airways and improve sleep apnea, snoring, and other difficulties breathing. To improve the appearance of your nose, rhinoplasty can alter your nose’s size, shape, contours, or projection.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty
The ideal rhinoplasty candidate will be an individual who is in good overall physical health and without major medical conditions. They should be a non-smoker and have realistic expectations about the outcome of their surgery.
Age-wise, a patient’s nose needs to be fully developed before surgery. Generally speaking, this happens during adolescence when patients are around 15 or 16 for boys or 13 or 14 for girls. If the procedure is performed before this time, the growth of the nose may end up affecting your results.
FAQ: Rhinoplasty Recovery
How long does it take for swelling to subside after rhinoplasty?
It usually takes about two weeks for the bulk of the swelling to go down after rhinoplasty.
How long after rhinoplasty can I sleep on my side?
Sleeping on your side is to be avoided directly after your surgery. However, after about a week, you can resume this position when sleeping.
How long after rhinoplasty can I drink?
It’s important to avoid drinking for at least several weeks after surgery. Speak with Dr. Lahar to confirm the specific date at which you can return to alcohol consumption.
Can a rhinoplasty be combined with other surgeries?
Yes, rhinoplasty is often combined with other procedures such as a face lift or non-surgical procedures like injectables (Botox or dermal fillers).
When can I blow my nose after rhinoplasty?
It’s important not to blow your nose for at least a week or longer after nasal surgery. This is because the jolting movements and pressure of nose blowing could put stress on the delicate state of your nose and may cause unwanted changes to your results long-term.
- See Also ULTIMATE GUIDE TO RHINOPLASTY
Request a Beverly Hills Rhinoplasty Consultation
Whether you require rhinoplasty for a breathing issue or for aesthetic purposes, Dr. Nicholas Lahar can help you achieve your goals. Call today to schedule a consultation appointment and speak with him about your options.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty/candidates
