8th Apr 2022
Rhinoplasty is a simple procedure that takes between one and three hours to complete under general anaesthesia. Patients then spend some time in our ambulatory recovery rooms. Once our professional nursing team has determined that the patient's initial recovery is complete, they are released to recover at home with a friend or family member.
Important notes about the recovery of a rhinoplasty:
- The average recuperation time for rhinoplasty is between six and eight weeks. Driving and going to the gym or other robust exercises are all activities that should be avoided for all or part of this healing period.
- Bruising around the eyes is common after a nose operation. This does not last long and will pass quickly. Around 10 days after surgery, the bruises under the eyes should vanish.
- There are a few things a patient can do to assist speed up the recovery period from a nose job. When resting, prop your head up with cushions for a couple of days to minimise the swelling around the nose. After a rhinoplasty procedure, it is recommended that you sleep on your back for around four weeks.
- To minimise putting pressure on the nose, patients should avoid blowing their nose and instead sneeze through their mouth. Avoid environments that are dusty or smoky.
- It's critical that a patient follows all their surgeon's aftercare instructions.
Common questions about a rhinoplasty or nose surgery recovery
When can I take my nose splint off?
A plastic or plaster splint will be placed over the nose where the bones have fractured in most rhinoplasty patients. Around 7 and 10 days after surgery, the nose covering will be removed in your post operative appointment.
The nose will appear swollen when the splint is removed, with the tip remaining unchanged at this stage. It will take up to 6 to 12 months for the final shape to settle.
During my nose job recovery, what activities should I limit?
Within 48 hours of surgery, patients can be reasonably active, but we do recommend rest and relaxation for the first few days of your rhinoplasty recovery. It is best to avoid driving for the first few days.
Does Rhinoplasty hurt?
Rhinoplasty is not painful. There may be some soreness following the treatment, but it will be minor and treatable with medicines. You will be provided with all the information before and after surgery.
Rather than discomfort, a patient is more likely to have side effects during rhinoplasty rehabilitation. A clogged or blocked nose is a common side effect. Patients will have to breathe through their mouth for a week or two. If the nasal bones have been fractured, the patient might have a stiff or numb nose and other discomforts such as swelling and bruising behind the eyes.
Top tips for recovering from a rhinoplasty
- Listen to your plastic surgeon: You could read many rhinoplasty recovery articles, but it is important to follow the information you get from your facial plastic surgeon. At Kensington Medical we provide detailed instructions covering points such as what drugs to take and when to take them, as well as how to prevent infection at the surgery site and when to return for a follow-up assessment.
- Listen to your body: From the outside, your plastic surgeon will be able to observe how your rhinoplasty recovery is going, but only you will know how you're feeling on the inside. Listen to your body; if something doesn't seem right following surgery, go to your plastic surgeon and our nursing team as soon as possible.
- Keep your head elevated: Sleeping on your side after rhinoplasty is not only inconvenient, but it can also lengthen your recovery time by producing more bruising and swelling. Keep your head raised at night for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Propping your head up on two or three pillows or using a foam wedge is one of the simplest ways to do this.
- Use cold compresses: Using a cold compress for the first 72 hours following surgery can help minimise swelling. Just make sure you don't put the compress on your nose. Instead, apply it to your cheeks so that no bones or cartilage are accidently shifted.
- Get plenty of rest: It may be difficult to fall asleep after surgery due to the congestion, but rest is an important part of the recovery process. Your body heals by obtaining a healthy seven or eight hours of sleep each night.
- Stay cool: Showers that are steamy, soups that are hot, and saunas that are relaxing may feel good, but they are not good for your inflamed nose. Because heat causes the tissues in your nose to swell even more, it's best to consume cool and room-temperature foods, take lukewarm showers, and avoid being in direct sunlight in the weeks after your nose reshaping treatment.
- Don’t wear glasses: Sunglasses, reading glasses, prescription glasses – anything that exerts pressure on your nose while it heals might cause more bruising, swelling, or even indentations, requiring revision rhinoplasty in the future. When it's safe to start wearing glasses again, your facial plastic surgeon will advise you. In the meanwhile, if possible, switch to contacts. If you can't avoid it, wear the lightest frames you can find and only when absolutely necessary. If glasses are required, this can be placed on the nose beneath the splint.
Ensuring you see an experienced nose surgeon you can expect to have good results and once the swelling has subsided enjoy the confidence and look of a new nose. At Kensington Medical our two expert nose surgeons have carried out thousands of rhinoplasties between them. The best option is to get in touch with us to arrange a consultation. To find out which nose surgery procedure is best for you call 0204 551 4892 to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist registered nose surgeons or fill in the contact form.
During the consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will show you before and after rhinoplasty photos, discuss the procedures and explain the recovery process.