How Long Does It Take For a Nose Job To Heal?

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. The rhinoplasty recovery period involves several stages, and the nose cast or splint is typically removed at a follow up appointment. The rhinoplasty healing time can vary from patient to patient. Over the counter painkillers are usually sufficient for managing discomfort during the rhinoplasty recovery period.

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. Vigorous exercise can increase blood pressure and nasal swelling, which may delay healing.
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. Nasal swelling and bruising are part of the normal rhinoplasty recovery timeline, and the nasal skin may remain sensitive for several weeks.
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. Keeping the head elevated helps reduce swelling and supports healthy blood flow to the nasal tissues. The nose reshaping procedure can sometimes cause temporary breathing difficulties or difficulty breathing, and patients should report persistent issues to their surgeon. Swollen nasal tissues are common, and most patients notice gradual improvement over a few weeks.
To minimise putting pressure on the nose, patients should avoid blowing their nose and instead sneeze through their mouth. Blowing your nose or even gently blowing your nose too soon can damage the nasal passages and increase swelling. Avoid environments that are dusty or smoky.
Patients should limit sun exposure and avoid too much sun, as this can increase swelling and affect the healing of the nasal skin.
It’s critical that a patient follows all their surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Attending your first follow up appointment and subsequent follow up appointments is important to monitor the rhinoplasty recovery process and rhinoplasty recovery timeline.

Maintaining good blood flow is important for optimal recovery, as the healing process can be affected by circulation. The nose may appear to change shape or size during recovery, but this is usually due to swelling rather than actual nose growth. The rhinoplasty recovery process and rhinoplasty recovery timeline are unique to each patient, but most patients can expect to see significant improvement within a few weeks, with final results taking up to a year. Nasal surgery, such as a nose reshaping procedure, requires careful post-operative care to reduce swelling and support healing.

The Importance of Realistic Expectations

When considering rhinoplasty surgery, also known as a nose job, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the outcome and the recovery process. Rhinoplasty procedures can vary in complexity, and the recovery time can differ from one individual to another. Understanding the average rhinoplasty recovery time, which typically ranges between six and eight weeks, can help manage expectations and ensure a smoother recovery.

Realistic expectations are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they help patients understand that rhinoplasty recovery is a process that takes time. It’s not just about the surgery itself, but also about the healing process that follows. Patients should be aware that facial swelling, bruising, and numbness are common after nose reshaping surgery and that these symptoms can take several weeks to resolve.

Secondly, realistic expectations can help patients avoid disappointment or frustration during the recovery period. For instance, knowing that it may take up to a year for the final rhinoplasty results to become visible can help manage expectations and reduce anxiety. It’s also important to understand that rhinoplasty swelling can persist for several months after surgery and that this is a normal part of the healing process.

Thirdly, having realistic expectations can ensure there is better communication between patients and their facial plastic surgeon. By understanding the potential outcomes and limitations of rhinoplasty surgery, patients can ask more informed questions and make better decisions about their care. This includes discussing the potential need for revision rhinoplasty, the risks associated with the procedure, and the importance of following post-operative instructions to minimize complications.

To ensure realistic expectations, patients should discuss their goals and concerns with their surgeon during the initial consultation. This is an opportunity to ask questions, address concerns, and gain a better understanding of what to expect from the rhinoplasty procedure and the recovery process. By working together, patients and their surgeons can develop a personalized plan that meets their unique needs and promotes optimal outcomes.

In addition to understanding the surgical procedure itself, patients should also be aware of the importance of post-operative care in achieving successful results. This includes keeping the head elevated, avoiding strenuous exercise, and following a healthy diet to support the healing process. Patients should also be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with rhinoplasty surgery, such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.

By having realistic expectations and being well-informed about the rhinoplasty procedure and recovery process, patients can make informed decisions about their care and achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether you’re considering closed rhinoplasty, open rhinoplasty, or revision rhinoplasty, it’s essential to approach the process with a clear understanding of what to expect and a commitment to following your surgeon’s guidance to ensure a successful and safe recovery.

Common questions about a rhinoplasty or nose surgery recovery

When can I take my nose splint off?

A plastic or plaster rhinoplasty splint will be placed over the nose where the bones have fractured in most rhinoplasty patients. The rhinoplasty splint is typically removed at your first follow up appointment, which usually occurs around 7 to 10 days after surgery.

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 and other activities for a few weeks after surgery.

Does Rhinoplasty hurt?

Rhinoplasty is not painful. There may be some soreness following the treatment, but it will be minor and can usually be managed with over the counter painkillers. 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. These instructions are based on best practices in facial plastic surgery to ensure optimal recovery. At Kensington Medical we provide detailed instructions covering points such as what to expect, 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.

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.