Curious what it’s like to recover from a rhinoplasty (“nose job”)? In this blog post, we’re answering all your questions about what to expect during rhinoplasty recovery, from swelling to activity restrictions.
Read on to learn all about the things to avoid after rhinoplasty, the best way to manage postsurgical swelling, and more.
How Long Does It Take To Heal After a Nose Job?
Initial rhinoplasty recovery takes about a week. At around Day 7, you’ll have your cast and sutures removed in our office. After that, you can return to work, school, and most daily activities, looking and feeling back to normal for the most part.
However, you’ll have several more weeks of residual internal and external swelling. Most people won’t notice your swelling after about a month, as The Aesthetic Society® reports. It may take up to a year for all swelling to subside and your final results to take shape.
Will I Have Bruising After Rhinoplasty?
It is normal to have some bruising around the eyes and nose after rhinoplasty, primarily in the first week. It’s also normal to have some discomfort and soreness. Homeopathic arnica tablets are a great way to speed the bruise-healing process along.
How Should I Clean My Nose Incisions After Rhinoplasty?
Start by changing the drip pad below your nose as needed and discarding it whenever your drainage stops.
You can clean your incisions beginning the day after surgery using sterile saline or distilled water and a Q-tip. Clean your incisions 3 times a day, following up with gentamicin ointment to prevent infection. You’ll also want to sniff in a saline spray 5 times a day in each nostril to keep them clean.
What Is the Best Way To Deal With Postsurgical Swelling After Rhinoplasty?
One of the best ways to minimize post-nose job swelling is to sleep with your head elevated on several pillows for the first week. During the first 48 hours, you can also apply a cold compress, such as frozen peas, to your eyes and forehead for 20 minutes at a time.
Your nasal splint is also designed to minimize swelling via compression. We talk more about post-rhinoplasty dressings in our related blog post.
What Are Things To Avoid After Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Here are a few things you should avoid after a nose job:
- Do not blow your nose for 1 week.
- Do not attempt to remove your cast.
- Do not get your cast wet during the first week. You can shower the day after surgery, but make sure to stay dry from the neck up.
- Do not drive for 3 days.
- Do not participate in heavy lifting, extreme exercise, or running for 2 weeks.
For 6 months following your surgery, you’ll also want to avoid any excessive sun exposure or sunburns.
What Is the Hardest Day of Rhinoplasty Recovery?
Most patients find the first 2 to 3 days the hardest because swelling and congestion peak during this time. Discomfort is typically described as “pressure” rather than pain and is manageable with medication. After Day 3, most people notice a gradual improvement.
How Long Do You Have To Be Off Work After Nasal Surgery?
Most patients return to nonstrenuous work or school within 7 to 10 days once the splint is removed and bruising has improved. If your job involves heavy lifting or physical activity, you may need to take 2 to 3 weeks off work.
How Long Will My Nose Be Hard After Rhinoplasty?
It’s normal for the nose to feel firm or hard during early healing because of swelling and internal scar tissue. Most patients notice the nose begins to soften after about 3 months, but it can take up to a year or more for your nose to feel “normal” as the swelling resolves.
What Happens if You Accidentally Sleep on Your Side After Rhinoplasty?
Sleeping on your side briefly is unlikely to ruin your results. However, prolonged pressure on the nose can shift cartilage or increase swelling. If it happens, gently reposition yourself and resume back-sleeping with your head elevated.
How Long After Rhinoplasty Will My Nose Look Normal?
You’ll feel socially presentable within 1 to 2 weeks, but subtle swelling (especially at the tip) can persist for several months. Final results typically appear between 12 and 18 months after surgery as swelling abates.
How Many Days After Rhinoplasty Can I Wash My Face or Drink Coffee?
- Washing your face: You can wash your face with caution using wipes or a damp cloth, avoiding the splint and nose area until after cast removal.
- Coffee: You can drink coffee as soon as you feel up to it, but avoid very hot beverages for the first few days to reduce bleeding risk.
When Will I See My Final Rhinoplasty Results?
You’ll feel well enough for most normal activities after 1 to 2 weeks, but full recovery—including resolution of all swelling and complete refinement—takes 12 to 18 months.
Have more questions about what to expect when recovering from rhinoplasty? Please request a consultation online or call (407) 333-3040 to get in touch with our Orlando office.
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