A nose job is performed as outpatient surgery, which means you will be able to go home on the day of your procedure. While it will take up to 12 months to recover fully from rhinoplasty, you should see a significant improvement after the first week, provided you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. In this post, we will detail the recovery time for a nose job and what you can expect in terms of healing at each milestone.
How Is A Rhinoplasty Done?
Your nose job will be performed under a general anaesthetic so that you will be asleep for the procedure. When you wake up, you will still feel groggy, so you will need someone else to drive you home.
We recommend that you set your home up for your arrival so that your chores are taken care of and you have nutritious meals prepared so you can dedicate your rhinoplasty recovery time to healing and rest.
Rhinoplasty Recovery: Your Healing Timeline After A Nose Job
Each patient s unique and heals at a different rate. The average recovery time is seven to 10 days, but this depends on the complexity of your procedure and the rate at which your body heals. Getting good rest and following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions may help you to enjoy a speedier recovery.
Recovery Time For Nose Job: Days 1 To 7
Once your nose job is complete, your nose will be bandaged, and you will wear a splint on the outside of your nose. It is normal for your nose to bleed after the procedure, and it is likely that you will have some gauze taped to the bottom of your nose to absorb it.
You can expect to have some swelling and bruising, so it’s important to keep your head propped up. Laying flat on your back causes blood to pool in your head, and this can make the swelling worse.
Make sure you take any medication prescribed for pain and swelling. You can also use a cold compress gently to alleviate the swelling. Using cold compresses during the first 48 hours is highly recommended, as this can make a major difference to the extent of your post-operative swelling. After the first week has come to an end, you will return to your plastic surgeon to have the splint removed. If you had stitches, these will also be removed.
Rhinoplasty Recovery: Days 7 To 10
During the second and third weeks of your rhinoplasty recovery, you can expect to heal and recover with each passing day. The swelling will still be present, but it will improve gradually as the days pass. Swelling and bruising can be present for up to two weeks after your surgery.
Rhinoplasty Recovery: Days 10 To 14
By the end of the second week, most people feel confident enough to return to work. While there will still be swelling, it should be vastly improved. Any residual bruising is usually light enough to be covered up with makeup.
You should not blow your nose for the first ten days. This may be a challenge to avoid as your nose will feel stuffy.
Rather use a saline nasal spray to help with decongestion.
Blowing your nose can worsen swelling and may cause bleeding
Light walking every day is a good idea to help you get moving again, but you should not over-exert yourself.
Rhinoplasty Recovery: Three To Six Weeks Later
Your plastic surgeon will recommend that you avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least three to six weeks. By the third week, you may feel strong enough to resume some light exercise, but weight training, resistance training, and bending over should be delayed until the sixth week following your procedure. If you do want to resume exercise, make sure you get the go-ahead from your plastic surgeon first.
Because it takes up to six weeks for the nasal bones to heal, you will be advised not to wear glasses or sunglasses during this period.
Three weeks into rhinoplasty recovery, swelling on the bridge of your nose and cheeks should have decreased noticeably.
Three Months After Your Nose Job Procedure
By the third month after your nose job, your nose should be 85 to 90% of its final shape and size. You should have a good indication of what your new nose is going to look like.
One Year After Rhinoplasty
It takes 12 months for healing to complete its cycle. At this point, it will be very interesting to compare your pre- and post-operative pictures, and you should be delighted with your results. Even though the six-month mark gives you a good idea of what your nose will look like, by the twelfth month, it will have matured and will look even better.
Recovering from rhinoplasty is a long-term event that improves with each week and passing month. Eating a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet and getting sufficient rest in the days after your procedure can help to speed up this process.
For a more personalised insight into your recovery time for a nose job or to schedule an appointment with our plastic surgeon, please contact us at (02) 9158 6375.
REFERENCES
WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE RECOVERING FROM A RHINOPLASTY
https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_eb0eflgn
Rhinoplasty
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