Men and women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their nose can get rhinoplasty. This procedure will reshape and/or resize their nose based on their current facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Rhinoplasty provides permanent results, which means it requires incisions and a significant recovery period. In fact, some patients won’t see their final results for up to a year or more (though they’ll be nearly completely healed in a matter of months).
Patients who are interested in rhinoplasty should research the rhinoplasty procedure in-depth before committing. One area to familiarize yourself with is the rhinoplasty swelling stages. Ultimately, you should feel comfortable regarding how best to prepare yourself overall for your rhinoplasty recovery.
What to Expect During Your Rhinoplasty Recovery
After rhinoplasty surgery, you will have bandages over (and inside) your nose. These will include a small cast as well as paper tapes over your nose and a splint on the inside. Your bandages will help to reduce swelling and will protect your nose from any accidental knocks or bumps that may compromise its delicate new position.
It’s normal to have bruising and swelling after this surgery. Swelling may be significant, and bruising may extend to the under eye and cheek area. Again, this is perfectly normal.
Follow all aftercare directions provided to you. This includes taking your medications as prescribed by Dr. Lahar. These will help reduce pain and keep you more comfortable. You should be resting as much as possible. Your main job is to relax and take care of yourself.
What Not to Do During Your Recovery From Rhinoplasty
While you can certainly continue doing things like talking on the phone, sitting up on the couch, and walking around your house after rhinoplasty, there are also things you should not do at this period in time.
First, make sure not to lay entirely prone and to instead keep your head elevated. This will take pressure off of your nose and face and will help reduce swelling. You should also avoid making any facial expressions that are particularly extreme. Do not blow your nose. Do not rigorously exercise or lift anything heavy (over ten pounds). Finally, do not wash your face or submerge your face in water until Dr. Lahar says it’s okay.
Eventually, you will be able to do all of these things and more. But for now, it’s good to keep yourself calm, comfortable, and not too active.
How to Plan for Rhinoplasty Recovery
Take responsible steps before your rhinoplasty procedure to make your recovery easier and more comfortable. The more you can do ahead of time, the better.
To start with, don’t ever turn away help — you’ll need it! After all, you’ll be in some level of discomfort during the initial days of your recovery. You’ll be tired and may not feel comfortable going out of the house with bandages on your nose and bruising around your face.
Asking a friend or family member to run errands for you, prepare you a few healthy meals, or give you a hand around the house can go a long way at improving your well-being after rhinoplasty.
Likewise, make other plans ahead of time. For example, pick up your prescriptions before your surgery, prepare a few freezer meals for yourself, and stock up on all the essentials you’ll need, including healthy snacks and things to do.
Rhinoplasty Swelling Stages
The swelling stages after rhinoplasty may vary from patient to patient. Typically, however, you’ll notice a rhinoplasty swelling stages pattern that resembles the following:
3 to 4 Days Post-Surgery: Worst swelling is experienced in the nose and face
10 Days Post-Surgery: Swelling has gone down considerably and patient’s new nose begins to look “normal” (despite some residual swelling and bruising)
3 to 4 Weeks Post-Surgery: Majority of swelling is gone now
3 Months Post-Surgery: There is no apparent swelling, and the nose looks basically how it will look when it is completely healed
6 Months to 1 Year (or More): Final results are in, this is the end of the rhinoplasty swelling stages, all swelling is gone
When Will You See Results?
You should see some results from your rhinoplasty right away. That is, as soon as the bandages are taken off, you should notice that your nose is shaped differently. Swelling will hide a lot of your progress, however. Therefore, know that you will continue to see your results come into view as the days and weeks go on and swelling eases up.
Ultimately, the last bits of swelling may last up to a year or even more, after which point you will be able to see your final results.
FAQ: Rhinoplasty Recovery
How long does it take for rhinoplasty swelling to go down?
This will depend on several factors, including what type of surgery you had, your general health, and your age at the time of rhinoplasty. Some patients tend to have a lot more swelling than others.
Typically, however, we estimate that the majority of most patients’ swelling goes down within three to four weeks.
When is swelling the worst after rhinoplasty?
Most of the time, you’ll have the worst swelling after rhinoplasty on the third or fourth day after surgery. Swelling tends to be at its worst in the morning.
What are the 1 year rhinoplasty swelling stages?
By the one-year mark, most rhinoplasty patients do not have any more swelling. In rare cases, residual swelling may continue on for another few weeks or months.
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation Appointment Today
Are you thinking about rhinoplasty surgery? Your first step should be to book a rhinoplasty consultation appointment with Dr. Nicholas Lahar.
This appointment will help you determine if nose surgery is right for you in the first place. You’ll have a chance to speak with Dr. Lahar one-on-one and to discuss your goals as well as your options for surgery. In turn, he will take a look at your nasal and facial anatomy to determine the best course of action moving forward.
You should feel proud of the way your nose looks. If you don’t, rhinoplasty may be able to help. Contact us to schedule your rhinoplasty consultation appointment today.
