Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline

Your nose is used for more than just smelling and breathing; it is the focal point of your face and helps frame your other features. Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a surgery that modifies the structure of the nose, enhancing its appearance and improving its function. 

If you are interested in nasal surgery, you may be wondering what the rhinoplasty recovery timeline looks like. During your visit to The Clinic of Facial Plastic Surgery in Buffalo, NY, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon David Sherris can tell you what you can expect during your recovery from rhinoplasty and teach you how you can care for your results.

First Three Days

To ensure the best possible surgical outcomes, make sure to follow all of Dr. Sherris’s post-op instructions and attend all of your follow-up appointments.

After rhinoplasty, many patients are worried about pain. If you are concerned about discomfort within the first week of recovery, Dr. Sherris can prescribe pain medication to relieve discomfort after the local anesthesia wears off.

After your rhinoplasty, the surgery site will be packed, splinted, and covered in bandages. These bandages will protect your surgery site and support the new nose shape. After about one week, you will return to Dr. Sherris’s office to have the bandages removed. 

After One Week

Discomfort after rhinoplasty subsides within three to six days in most cases and is typically described as minor to moderate by most patients. Over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed pain medication can be used to manage post-surgery pain.

Most patients are able to remove the splint from their noses after one week if there are no issues after surgery. If there is still bruising around the eyes, patients may have to wear the splint for up to 2 weeks.

Most facial swelling and bruising should be resolved after two weeks. When the bruising subsides, most patients feel comfortable going back to work and resuming their normal activities. However, you should hold off on strenuous activities and exercise until cleared by Dr. Sherris.

After Six Weeks

After about six weeks, swelling has almost completely subsided and the results of your rhinoplasty start to become more visible. Most patients can resume their workouts and other physical activities during this time.

After One Year

The results of your rhinoplasty should be fully visible by the end of the first year. You should not have any discomfort, swelling, or bruising. If you have any lingering side effects, contact Dr. Sherris and schedule a follow-up appointment as soon as possible. 

What You Can Do to Facilitate Your Recovery

Dr. Sherris will develop a customized treatment plan for your unique rhinoplasty operation and recovery process. Please follow your treatment plan closely so that you give your nose the opportunity to heal properly.

Dr. Sherris can assess the way your nose is healing, but it is most important to listen to your body. If you are experiencing abnormal symptoms, please talk to Dr. Sherris so that he can provide the treatment that you need.

You can assist your body‘s healing by maintaining good overall health. Throughout your recovery, don’t smoke, as smoking can inhibit your body’s ability to heal.

Learn More about Rhinoplasty Recovery

On average, it takes about a year for your final results to be visible after your rhinoplasty. If you have any questions or concerns about rhinoplasty, please call (716) 884-5102 or message us online for a consultation with Dr. Sherris at our Buffalo, NY, location.