What to Expect When Having Rhinoplasty

Anesthesia: Sedation or general.

Location of Operation: Hospital, outpatient surgical center, or an office-based surgical suite.

Length of Surgery: 1 to 3 hours. This time frame is different for every patient depending on the extent of the operation.

Length of Stay: This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that the patient will be able to return home on the same day as the surgery.

Discomfort: Moderate. If your nasal bones are broken as part of the procedure, expect 5 to 10 days of prescription pain medication. If they are not broken, expect 2 to 7 days of discomfort.

Swelling and Bruising: Bruising improves in 3-10 days if your nasal bones are not broken and in 7-10 days if they are. Black eyes are not unusual during this time. Swelling improves in 2-6 weeks following closed rhinoplasty and 3-6 months following open rhinoplasty. Sleeping in a recliner after surgery helps substantially. Applying ice for 2-4 days is also important.

Numbness: Numbness of the tip of nose is expected and should subside after several weeks.

Bandages: The nose is taped after the surgery is completed. If your nasal bones were broken, you will also receive a small splint. Both are removed within 5 to 10 days. Nasal packs are usually employed. These are removed in 24-48 hours. If the rhinoplasty also included the septum, an internal splint is often used and removed in 5-10 days.

Stitches: Absorbable stitches are placed on the inside of your nose. If the rhinoplasty was open, there will be stitches under the tip of your nose. These will be removed in 5-7 days.

Makeup: May be worn after the cast and tape have been removed.

Presentable in Public: You will be presentable in 1-2 weeks, however, you may need makeup to conceal your bruises. Swelling may last longer than bruising and may make you self-conscious, but it will not be an automatic tell tale sign of rhinoplaty.

Work: Work may be resumed after 1 week, but your appearance will be the limiting factor.

Exercise: Light exercise may be resumed in 3-4 weeks. All activities can be resumed after 6 weeks.

Sun Protection: If your scar is exposed while you are outdoors, you should protect it with sunscreen SPF or higher for at least one year to prevent permanent discoloration.

Final Result: May be seen as soon as 3 months or as late as 2 years. The majority see their results within 6 months.

Special Care: Nose blowing is prevented for the first 2-4 weeks and a moisturizing nasal spray is often recommended. NO SMOKING IS SUGGESTED FOR BEST HEALING!

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