This blog tracks rhinoplasty recovery from week to week, highlighting important healing milestones and visible results.
Table of Contents
- Rhinoplasty Recovery Step by Step
- Rhinoplasty Recovery Healing Stages
- Interested in Rhinoplasty from a World-Class Facial Surgery Expert in Beverly Hills, CA?
Rhinoplasty Recovery Step by Step
Rhinoplasty is one of the most transformative cosmetic procedures, as alterations to the nose impact overall facial harmony and balance. In the same way that a misshapen or misaligned nose detracts from the overall appearance of the face, a uniform, straight, and flattering nose enhances surrounding facial features.
This makes rhinoplasty an incredibly impactful procedure, and rhinoplasty recovery a significant process. In fact, a successful rhinoplasty recovery process can greatly enhance results. Therefore, preparing for rhinoplasty is key, so here is a breakdown of important recovery milestones so you can be ready.
How Long Is Rhinoplasty Recovery?
This will vary, although rhinoplasty has one of the longest recovery times, as it involves the manipulation of bone and cartilage, which takes longer to heal than soft tissues. Your nose is also a central feature of the face, so you must be more mindful of protecting it from damage and injury throughout your healing process. It is crucial to avoid any situations that might cause you to bump or apply pressure to your nose.
A majority of Dr. Harrison Lee’s patients are able to return to most regular activities in about two to four weeks. A majority of external results are visible within six months, although final results and internal healing can take up to a year.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Healing Stages
Days 1-3: Initial Healing
Immediately after your procedure, you will be moved to a designated recovery room for about an hour. Your nose will be protected with a cast, gauze may be inserted in your nostrils, and you will be groggy as you recover from the anesthesia. You are required to have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Most rhinoplasty patients remark that the first 72 hours are the most uncomfortable, but not painful. In fact, all pain and discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications. However, expect to feel congested in the nose, with some pressure and sensitivity throughout the cheeks, eyes, and even forehead. You may also experience swelling in these areas. This can be managed with gentle cold compresses, which are especially effective if applied during the first 48 hours after your procedure.
At this point, your job is to rest as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids, and protect your nose from any contact. We recommend that you sleep with your head elevated as well, as this will help keep your nose safe as you sleep and reduce swelling.
Days 4-7: Peak Swelling
While your nose will still be in a cast, this is the time period where swelling will peak and plateau, meaning it will only improve from this point onward. Do not be surprised if you still feel congested, swollen, and have some bruising around the nose and eyes; this is all completely normal.
Dr. Lee may remove some of the gauze or packing, although your cast will typically be removed after week one or two, as it provides important structural support as you heal. Apply Vaseline or
antibiotic ointment with a Q-tip to keep your nostrils moisturized. Continue to clean your incision site with hydrogen peroxide before applying antibiotic ointment. Ask Dr. Lee for guidance on follow-up care if you have any questions.
You may also feel a little more energetic this week, but do not push yourself: rhinoplasty recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Your nose is still very delicate and should not be subjected to any pressure (try not to even touch it). You can begin with short walks to keep your blood circulating, but avoid anything too strenuous or that causes you to jump, bounce, or bend over. Keep sleeping with your head elevated and using your cold compresses to combat swelling.
Weeks 2-3: Swelling Improvement
After the first week, most patients are ok to return to work or school, as long as strenuous activity can be avoided. You may also have your splint or cast removed after week two, which is an exciting milestone, as you will get your first glimpse of your nose. Keep in mind, though, your nose is well off from its final appearance!
Throughout the second and third week of recovery, you should notice improvements in swelling and bruising, especially around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. Your nose will likely still be slightly swollen, possibly red or discolored, with some bruising. However, a majority of swelling subsides by the time the cast is removed. You will not be able to see the more delicate changes, such as a refined nasal tip or altered nostrils, just yet. Be patient and continue to follow Dr. Lee’s aftercare instructions; you are past the worst of it!Months 1-2: Back to Normalcy
After the first month, you should feel pretty much back to normal. Major swelling has subsided, and the nose should be settling into a more normal appearance, which is a great time to start getting back to regular activities.
Dr. Lee will let you know which activities are ok at this point, including physical exercise and strenuous activities. A surprising aspect of rhinoplasty recovery is the sensation of numbness that patients may experience; many remark that they cannot feel much of their nose for a while, or that it feels odd or foreign on their face. This is completely normal as the nerves repair and heal, but it can mean that you might not be as aware of your nose in your daily life. If this is the case, be extra careful to avoid accidentally bumping your nose or sleeping on it too roughly. You will want to continue to be very cautious about the activities you partake in.
Months 3-6: Refining Results
At this point, the majority of healing has concluded, and you can see a nose that you are proud of! The bridge, nostrils, and bulk of the nose should be free of swelling, although the tip might still have some puffiness, as it is the slowest to heal.
That being said, prepare for even more changes to your nose over the course of the next few months, as it can take up to a year for the details to become apparent.
Year 1 and Beyond: Final Results
After one year, you will finally be able to see the beautiful details of your new nose, as tip refinement becomes apparent and all swelling subsides. Your nose should feel normal without any numbness or tingling, and it should look as natural as if you had been born with it.
While rhinoplasty recovery takes a lot of time and patience, it is worth it.
Interested in Rhinoplasty from a World-Class Facial Surgery Expert in Beverly Hills, CA?
Dr. Harrison Lee is a master of facial plastic surgery and puts his full skill and expertise at the forefront of each procedure; if you would like to learn how Dr. Lee can transform your face with natural-looking rhinoplasty, call his Beverly Hills office today at (310) 777-2627 or fill out the contact form to get started.