Recovery and Downtime with Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a delicate procedure that requires sufficient recovery and downtime afterwards. The risks and complication of rhinoplasty vary from person to person, but every individual should take proper care of themselves after such an intrusive operation. The recovery and downtime after the surgery could make a huge difference in the overall outcome.

While most people assume it takes months to recover from rhinoplasty, you can actually return to your normal routine within 3-5 days after the procedure, especially if you are a student or have a desk job. However, proper post-operative care with rhinoplasty should still be maintained months following the surgery.

What to expect
Because the back of your nose connects to your throat and stomach, blood can easily be swallowed during surgery. While this is harmless, it could result in nausea and may cause you to throw up a black-looking mixture a few hours after surgery. The nausea should subside once you throw up, but if it continues contact your doctor. Other things to expect include:

• During the first day or so, your nose will probably ache, your face will look swollen and puffy and you may feel like you have a really bad head cold. Luckily, your doctor will prescribe pain medicine to help counteract any discomfort you may feel.
• You may also have problems breathing, since the nasal passages will likely be swollen, but that should go away after a few days.
• In most cases, you will be required to wear a nasal splint for the first week after rhinoplasty.
• Don't be afraid if you have deep bruising around the eyes, it is quite common and will go away after a couple weeks.
• Expect for the tip of your nose to heal the slowest, since that area get less blood flowing through it.
• After the two week mark, you will have a minor degree of swelling, but it will only be noticed by you and your surgeon. The puffiness will go away completely over the next six months and the shape of your nose will finally be apparent.  

After surgery, you should avoid strenuous activity for at least three to four weeks, but you can return to your social activities as soon as you feel up to it. Healing takes time, so be patient. You can expect to see the final results of your rhinoplasty six to twelve months after your surgery. If you have any concerns, contact your surgeon immediately.