Recovery Time for Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)
How Long is Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Recovery Time?
Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty surgeries – giving women and men the attractive nose they have always wanted. However, many patients are concerned about, or have questions regarding, the recovery time for rhinoplasty surgery.
In this article we discuss how long rhinoplasty recovery takes, and how quickly you can get back to your normal activities.
Is there pain after rhinoplasty surgery?
Most patients that undergo the rhinoplasty procedure experience a mild pressure above the nose for about two hours after the procedure. From there on after, the patients do not experience any pain. The post-operative period is painless, although pain medication is usually given in case the patient has some discomfort.
What is the recovery like after a nose job?
Many people still erroneously have an outdated idea of rhinoplasty from the “original” nose jobs performed a few decades ago – which often left people looking like they lost a prize fight. Thanks to modern technology, today’s rhinoplasty surgery has a must faster and easier recovery period.
The recovery for rhinoplasty today is actually rather mild. You will be allowed to return home after the procedure. Some surgical swelling and inflammation is unavoidable with any surgery, but a good aftercare routine will minimize the inflammatory effects and swelling and optimize the cosmetic outcome.
You will typically be required to wear a nasal splint for the first 7 to 10 days after your rhinoplasty. After your rhinoplasty, you may have moderate swelling and some bruising around your eyes that could last up to two weeks. Everybody heals differently – and some people have very little swelling and almost no bruising. Others may have a “black eye” effect for a week or two.
Many patients ask Dr. Ali about the old-fashioned and uncomfortable “packing” that used to be associated with nose jobs. In the vast majority of today’s rhinoplasty surgeries “packing” the nasal passages is no longer required.
When can I resume activities after rhinoplasty?
Dr. Ali will advise you know when it is safe for you to return to your daily activities. Rest and relaxation are strongly advised during the first week after surgery to facilitate recovery, as well as minimize bruising and swelling.
In most cases, a patient should also avoid strenuous activity for up to four weeks after your surgery. This is important for a number of reasons. In addition to not wanting to disrupt or shift the nasal bones or cartilage before they heal into place, it is also essential to keep your blood pressure from rising – which can cause nosebleeds and aggravate swelling.
Typically patients can begin easing into gentle or moderate exercise three weeks after having the surgery, waiting four to six weeks to attempt anything vigorous or strenuous.
Patients are generally able to return to work about one week after the rhinoplasty procedure, at most jobs. However, if your jobs requires physical exertion you may need an additional two or three weeks before returning to full work activity.
Can I wear glasses after a nose job?
You can wear your eye glasses on top of your splint or cast during your first week of recovery. However, once the cast is removed you should avoid wearing glasses directly on your nose for up to six weeks after surgery. This includes sunglasses!
This is because the weight of your glasses can shift your healing nasal bones and cartilage before they heal into place.
However, in cases where a controlled bone fracture wasn’t performed during the rhinoplasty, a patient can typically wear glasses at any time. If you wear glasses (or sunglasses) Dr. Ali will advise you specifically when you can resume wearing them.
Birmingham’s Best Nose Job Surgeon
If you are considering a nose job, call Birmingham Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali for a rhinoplasty evaluation and consultation. He will explain your surgical options for correcting imperfections in your nasal contours – and ensure that you achieve the best possible rhinoplasty results!
