When it comes to considering plastic surgery, there are many aspects that need attention. Which procedure is best for you, choosing the right surgeon, preparation requirements, and much more, all need to be planned out. Another important aspect is thinking about the recovery period. How soon will you be able to return to work or household responsibilities? Will it be painful? How long will it take to see great results?
If a rhinoplasty is in your future, you may be asking these questions and more about exactly how long recovery will take. While every patient is different, there are some standard milestones.
This procedure has been one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for decades, and many patients have seen outstanding benefits from this kind of surgical refinement. A wide variety of different nasal issues can be addressed with Rhinoplasty, including both aesthetic and functional concerns. Rhinoplasty can improve the appearance of a nasal hump, bulbous tip, crookedness, nostril shape, and other aesthetic issues. Patients with breathing problems caused by a deviated septum or nasal valve (nostril) collapse can also benefit from a Rhinoplasty, and experience increased airflow during sleep, exercise, and daily activities.
Depending on the extent of surgery, recovery time may vary between patients, but there are some general guidelines that can give you an idea of what to expect.
Right after the procedure, you will wake up in a recovery area with an external splint over your nose and possibly some internal packing. Expect to feel congestion or pressure around the nose and eyes, along with some mild to moderate discomfort, but it shouldn’t be especially painful. A fair amount of swelling may already be present, but bruising could be delayed until the following day.
You will need a trusted family member or friend to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours or so to make sure you are stable and recovered from the anesthesia. Once you arrive at home, you will likely feel groggy or sleepy from the anesthesia. Rest as much as you need to over the first day to help your body with initial recovery. Minor bleeding or light pink drainage is normal, and your surgical team will provide detailed instructions for wound care based on the specifics of your surgery.
While you may not feel as sleepy by days two and three, this will be the time when bruising and swelling are at their peak, so discomfort or pain levels may also be at their peak. Dr White’s closed rhinoplasty approach, in addition to a special combination of medications, should help reduce your downtime significantly. Breathing will mostly be done through your mouth for the first several days, so your mouth may be dry, but packs are removed on the second or third postoperative day. Staying hydrated and using lip balm regularly will help with symptoms. It will be important to keep up with any medications, and icing the area will help provide relief from discomfort as well.
Once you get past the first few days, swelling will begin to calm down, and bruises should become less obvious. Energy levels should start to come back, but it’s important not to overdo it and continue to allow healing. During this timeframe, most patients will go to a follow-up appointment to have the splint removed and sutures if any were used. By the end of the first week, you should be getting a glimpse of what your final, refined results will look like.
Once most patients reach week two, swelling has gone down significantly and bruising is typically gone. There will still be some slight residual swelling, which is normal as tissues continue to heal. At this point, most patients can return to work or school and resume social activities. But don’t hit the gym quite yet; strenuous activities, including lifting and intense cardio, should be avoided.
You will continue to see more refinement at around a month, but swelling will still be present, especially at the tip of the nose. Glasses can typically be worn again after six weeks, but you should clear it with your surgeon to be sure. You should also wait to be cleared by your surgeon to work out, but most patients can return by two to three weeks.
Patients will see continued improvement in the nasal tip, especially those with thicker skin. Swelling may still vary, but will largely be resolved and most people feel fully healed and satisfied with their new look by this time.
As scar tissue continues to soften and heal, subtle definition changes will be revealed. Final outcomes may take as long as a year to 18 months, especially if it was a complex case or a revision.
Over a year may seem like a long wait, but the vast majority of patients say it’s absolutely worth the wait. To start your transformation journey, book your Rhinoplasty consultation in Miami today with Dr. Jeremy White.
Your new life starts here
If you’re considering plastic surgery in Miami, Aventura or Fort Lauderdale, choosing the right plastic surgeon could not be more important. Dr. Jeremy White is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the 2021 Doctor’s Choice Award Miami, the 2016 RealSelf Top 500, and the prestigious Castle Connolly Top Doctors Award Winner since 2017. We invite you to have a consultation about the procedure you need. Schedule your consultation today.
