Rhinoplasty Recovery

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to change the shape or structure of the nose. It may be carried out for cosmetic reasons or to address functional concerns, such as sleep apnoea and difficulties with breathing.

The rhinoplasty procedure is performed by a surgeon under general anaesthetic and may take between two and three hours.

Immediately After Rhinoplasty Surgery

After rhinoplasty surgery, around two to three hours may be spent in a recovery area. During this time, clinical staff may monitor temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as ensure there is an opportunity to eat and drink.

Once the clinical team and the surgeon are satisfied that your initial recovery period is complete and it is safe to go home, discharge will take place.

Dressings are in place around the nose, including a plastic or plaster splint to provide protection and support to the nose. This can take a few days to become accustomed to, although it does not typically prevent normal light day-to-day activities.

These dressings are replaced with simpler tapes approximately 7 days after the procedure. The simpler tapes help keep the nose protected and prevent infection.

Recovery Timeline for Rhinoplasty

The typical initial recovery period time for rhinoplasty is around 6-8 weeks. However, exact time periods can vary case by case.

First Week

During the initial few days of recovery, some discomfort may be experienced and the nose may feel blocked, similar to having a cold. This can be caused by swelling and stitches placed inside the nose, which may make breathing through the nose more difficult.

Swelling around the nose is also common, and bruising may appear around the nose, cheeks and eyes.

Some bleeding from the nose can occur during the first few days. A gauze dressing is placed under the nose to help. Additional dressings may be provided by a clinician with further guidance, to keep the surgical site clean.

Pain following rhinoplasty is generally described as manageable, and pain relief may be provided by the treating clinical team to help with any discomfort.

1 Week Post-Surgery

Around one week after rhinoplasty surgery, the first follow-up appointment will usually take place. At this appointment, dressings may be removed, including the splint used to support and protect the nose. Surgical tape may then be applied to protect the incisions, and any sutures that require removal may also be taken out.

Swelling will still be present at this stage and the nose may appear undefined, although bruising should have improved.

Around this point in the recovery period, many people are able to return to work and resume normal day-to-day activities.

2-3 Weeks Post-Rhinoplasty Operation

Over the following couple of weeks, swelling will typically gradually begin to reduce, although some swelling may still remain. Bruising will usually have improved significantly or resolved by this stage.

1 Month After Surgery

Around one month after rhinoplasty surgery, swelling will usually have reduced further. The results of the procedure may also begin to become more visible at this stage.

6 Weeks After Surgery

Around six weeks after rhinoplasty surgery, a follow-up appointment will usually take place with the surgeon. This appointment may involve examination of the nose and a discussions relating to the recovery process and results.

By this stage, many people may be able to resume exercise and return to their usual sleeping position. Where recovery is progressing differently, the surgeon may recommend an alternative recovery timeline.

3 Months After Surgery

Around three months into rhinoplasty recovery, the nose may begin to feel more normal. The final results may not yet be fully visible, as some swelling can remain.

Swelling following rhinoplasty can take time to settle completely, and the operating surgeon may discuss the expected timeframe for the final results to become apparent.

6-12 Months After Surgery

Between six and twelve months after rhinoplasty surgery, the remaining swelling may completely settle. The exact timeframe can vary from person to person.

Once the swelling has completely resolved and the shape of the nose has settled, the final results of the rhinoplasty should be visible.

Dos and Don’ts After Rhinoplasty

Before surgery, the surgeon will usually discuss rhinoplasty aftercare, including what to expect during recovery and any instructions to be followed. Understanding the expected rhinoplasty recovery time in advance can also help with planning for the weeks following the procedure.

If you have any questions regarding the procedure itself, aftercare and recovery consultations with the surgeon are an opportunity to ask them.

Although recovery varies between individuals, the initial rhinoplasty recovery period is typically around six to eight weeks.

What to Do After Rhinoplasty

Rest

Rest is an important part of the early rhinoplasty recovery period. Many people rest fully for around three to five days after surgery.

The first few days are often when discomfort and swelling are most noticeable as the healing process begins.

Sleeping Position

Adjusted sleeping position. The surgeon may recommend sleeping in a slightly elevated position, supported by pillows, during the first few days after rhinoplasty to help reduce swelling.

Sleeping on the side may also need to be avoided for up to six weeks to prevent pressure being placed on the nose.

The appropriate sleeping position and timeframe should be confirmed with/by the treating surgeon.

Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet – eating a nutritious diet can support the body during healing and recovery following nose surgery.

Alcohol may also need to be avoided for several weeks, as it can contribute to inflammation and may affect the healing process.

Gentle Massage

In some cases, the surgeon may recommend gentle nasal massage beginning several weeks after surgery to support healing and help reduce stiffness. Where massage forms part of rhinoplasty aftercare, the treating clinical team should provide instructions on when and how it should be performed.

What Not to Do After Rhinoplasty

Blow the nose – The nose may feel blocked or congested following rhinoplasty, but blowing the nose may need to be avoided during the early stages of recovery to prevent disturbing the surgical area. The treating surgeon should advise when it is appropriate to begin blowing the nose again.

Sneeze through the nose – During rhinoplasty recovery, the surgeon may recommend sneezing through the mouth rather than the nose to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the healing nasal tissues. Guidance on this should be provided as part of the rhinoplasty aftercare instructions.

Strenuous exercise – Exercise, heavy lifting and other strenuous activities may need to be avoided for up to eight weeks following nose surgery. The treating surgeon should advise when exercise can safely be resumed.

Drive – Driving may need to be avoided for up to two weeks after rhinoplasty. Individual insurance policies may also place restrictions on driving following surgery, so these should be checked separately.

Fly – The appropriate timeframe for flying after rhinoplasty should be discussed with the treating surgeon. Flying following surgery may increase the risk of blood clots, in many cases people are advised to avoid flying for at least four weeks after the procedure.

Glasses – Wearing glasses may need to be avoided during the early weeks of rhinoplasty recovery, particularly where they place pressure on the nasal bridge. The treating surgeon should advise when glasses can be worn again.

Which Activities Should Be Restricted During Nose Job Recovery?

Certain activities may need to be restricted during nose job recovery to allow the nose time to heal following surgery.

Mobility usually begins to improve within around 48 hours, although several days of rest may be recommended during the early stages of rhinoplasty recovery.

Driving may need to be avoided for around two weeks after surgery.

Exposure to UV light, including the use of sunbeds, may also need to be avoided for two to four weeks as it can affect scarring.

Sexual activity may be resumed after around four weeks where appropriate.

Vigorous exercise, including gym-based exercise, may need to be avoided for approximately six weeks.

Does Rhinoplasty Hurt?

Rhinoplasty is generally associated with discomfort rather than significant pain. Some discomfort may be experienced immediately after surgery, although pain is typically modest and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Other symptoms may be more noticeable during rhinoplasty recovery.

• These can include a blocked or congested nose, which may mean breathing through the mouth for around a week.
• The nose may also feel stiff or numb.
• Soreness, swelling and bruising around the eyes can occur, particularly where the nasal bones have been fractured during surgery.

Some bleeding from the nostrils may occur overnight following rhinoplasty and can continue for longer where treatment has involved the septum or turbinates.

Bruising and swelling around the eyes may also occur and will usually begin to settle within around 10 days.

Rhinoplasty can result in complications including persistent breathing difficulties, damage to the cartilage separating the nostrils, changes to the sense of smell or significant nosebleeds. The treating surgeon should explain the potential risks and complications before surgery, including how likely they are to occur and how they may be managed.

Further surgery may sometimes be required following rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Frequently Asked Questions

When can the nose be blown after rhinoplasty?

Blowing the nose may typically be avoided for around two to three weeks following rhinoplasty. During this period, the nose may feel blocked or congested.

The treating surgeon can provide guidance on keeping the nose clean and advise when blowing the nose can safely be resumed.

How long after rhinoplasty can exercise be resumed?

Vigorous exercise and workouts may typically be avoided for around six weeks after rhinoplasty surgery.

The exact timeframe can vary depending on the individual recovery process and the procedure performed.

Exercising too soon after surgery may interfere with healing and can be associated with complications such as a seroma or haematoma, which may require further medical treatment.

The treating surgeon should advise when exercise can be resumed safely.

How delicate is the nose after rhinoplasty?

The nose is particularly delicate immediately after rhinoplasty and may remain at its most delicate for around 10 days post-surgery. A splint is usually worn during this early recovery period to support and protect the nose. As healing progresses, the nose becomes less delicate and may begin to feel more normal within approximately eight weeks.

How long after rhinoplasty can sleeping on the side be resumed?

Sleeping on the back in a slightly elevated position may be recommended for the first three to four weeks after rhinoplasty. This can help reduce fluid collecting around the nose and increasing swelling. Sleeping on the back may then be recommended to continue for several more weeks, up to around six weeks after surgery. The treating surgeon should advise regarding sleeping positions during recovery and when sleeping on the side can be resumed.

When is the nose splint removed after rhinoplasty?

A nasal splint is commonly removed by the treating clinical team around seven to ten days after rhinoplasty surgery. The exact time frame can be confirmed with the surgeon.

Can a nose splint be removed at home after rhinoplasty?

Removal of the nasal splint is generally carried out by the treating clinical team rather than at home. This allows the splint to be removed appropriately while protecting the healing nose. Removing the splint earlier than recommended may risk injury and could affect the recovery process or final result.