Rhinoplasty recovery day by day

Rhinoplasty recovery happens in stages: the first week with the splint, the first month with bruising and swelling, and then several months of slow refinement. Sources do not agree on exact days, so this guide gives ranges and names the source of each one. Your surgeon’s schedule overrides every number here, and it depends on what was done to your nose.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Most people go home the same day. MedlinePlus says most people go home the same day, and that procedures often take one to three hours. Cleveland Clinic says rhinoplasty is usually outpatient, and that you should have a driver and someone to stay with you overnight. Expect swelling, pain and headaches, which MedlinePlus calls common right after surgery.

A splint is placed on the outside of the nose. Soft plastic splints or packing may be placed inside to stabilise the septum (MedlinePlus). If you are travelling for surgery, read how long to stay in Albania.

What is days 1 to 7 like?

The first week is the hardest. ASPS says pain and swelling are most pronounced in the first week, and that the nose is protected by a splint or packing inside and a dressing outside.

• Packing. Cleveland Clinic says packing is usually removed within 24 to 48 hours. MedlinePlus says 3 to 5 days, if packing is used. The difference reflects different techniques, so ask what your surgeon uses.
• Pain. Cleveland Clinic says pain should lessen within a few days to a week, and suggests over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your provider.
• Sleeping. Cleveland Clinic advises keeping your head elevated, especially at night.
• Splint removal. StatPearls says the cast, tape and splints are usually removed at 7 days, though they may stay longer if more support is needed. ASPS also says about one week. Cleveland Clinic says one to two weeks.

At the end of the first week many patients have a follow-up visit. Cleveland Clinic says the first difference in shape becomes visible once the splint is off. Expect it to look swollen.

What is weeks 2 to 4 like?

Bruising fades and you can usually return to normal life, though not to normal exercise. ASPS says bruising and tenderness on the cheeks and under the eyes usually last a week or two. Cleveland Clinic says swelling, bruising and skin colour changes are common up to four to six weeks.

ASPS says you will see “a marked difference” around three to four weeks, and that most people can return to work and light activity at about three weeks, with strenuous jobs needing longer. Cleveland Clinic gives one to two weeks for work or school.

Swelling can be uneven. Cleveland Clinic says swelling on one side only can occur in the first few weeks and is a normal healing response.

What is months 1 to 3 like?

By the first month most patients see an initial result, but the nose is still swollen. ASPS says most patients see initial results at about one month.

Cleveland Clinic says light exercise may begin within four to six weeks, with no heavy lifting during that time. It also advises avoiding blows to the face, avoiding pressure on the bridge from glasses, minimising sun exposure and not blowing your nose. ASPS says to ask your surgeon when you can resume normal activity and exercise.

Swelling decreases slowly. MedlinePlus says most swelling improves by two to three months. Cleveland Clinic says after three months about 90% of the swelling is gone. If your surgery also fixed the septum, Cleveland Clinic says breathing improvements are typically seen within about six weeks.

What is months 3 to 12 like?

The last swelling goes slowly, mostly in the tip. MedlinePlus says healing is gradual, the tip may stay swollen and numb for several months, and final results may not be visible for up to a year or longer. ASPS says the contour can take up to a year to fully refine, and that swelling may come and go and often be worse in the morning during the first year. Cleveland Clinic says minimal swelling may persist up to a year. See swelling month by month.

StatPearls says that if you want a revision, it is generally delayed 6 to 12 months to let swelling settle. Read revision rhinoplasty.

Summary table

Stage	What sources say	Source
Packing out	24 to 48 hours, or 3 to 5 days	Cleveland Clinic; MedlinePlus
Splint or dressing off	About 1 week; up to 2 weeks	ASPS, StatPearls; Cleveland Clinic, MedlinePlus
Bruising fades	About 1 to 2 weeks	ASPS
Back to work	1 to 2 weeks; about 3 weeks	Cleveland Clinic; ASPS
Light exercise	From 4 to 6 weeks	Cleveland Clinic
Most swelling gone	2 to 3 months; about 90% by 3 months	MedlinePlus; Cleveland Clinic
Final result	About 1 year or longer	MedlinePlus, ASPS, Cleveland Clinic

What do you need to look after at home?

Follow the surgeon’s written instructions, and read aftercare once you are home. Stop smoking: MedlinePlus advises stopping at least 2 to 3 weeks before and after surgery. If something looks wrong, read problems after you get home for the warning signs.

Next steps

If you are flying home, read when you can fly after rhinoplasty. Then plan your aftercare with aftercare once you are home.