Many clients are concerned about post-operative recovery and want to know what to expect after a rhinoplasty. While follow-up procedures, recovery time, and potential swelling all differ depending on the individual’s procedure, here is a general description of what you can expect after your rhinoplasty.
After the rhinoplasty procedure is completed, Kole Plastic Surgery at the Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center will place a small metal and foam-backed splint across the bridge of the nose in order to protect the nose from damage during recovery. Additionally, depending on whether the procedure includes realignment of the septum, the nasal cavity will be packed with soft silicone splint with air tubes to prevent bleeding and also the help the nose set properly internally. The splint is expected to be kept in place for several days, and the internal silicone splint will be removed in about 48hours.
While rhinoplasty does not require an overnight stay in the hospital, it is recommended that patients rest for at least 24-48 hours after the procedure in order to reduce the amount of swelling in the nose. Patients may experience some dull low grade pain, and can take pain medication for 1-2 days, and afterwards treat pain with tylenol. Patients may also experience some congestion from having the nasal splint or from lying down during recovery, but blowing the nose lightly is safe 48 hours after surgery. Bruising may be apparent, especially if the nasal bone was fractured during the surgery, but bruises should be reduced substantially by one week after surgery.
A week after surgery, bruising will subside and any stitches that were placed will be removed. The splint that was placed will be removed, and patients will begin to experience the aesthetic of their newly constructed nose. At this point, patients are able to resume many normal daily activities like going to work and exercising, being cautious to avoid any situations where the nose might be damaged. Within 2-3 weeks, swelling—especially in the upper bridge of the nose—will have reduced dramatically. Most patients will experience numbness in the tip of the nose for about 6 weeks, so activities like smiling or blowing the nose will feel unfamiliar, but the sensation is normal and expected.
After 3 weeks, swelling in the nose will be reduced by approximately 85%. Swelling diminishes in different areas of the nose at different rates, and while the bridge of the nose will not be swollen by week 6, the tip of the nose might be slightly swollen up to one year after the surgery, but that will be hardly noticeable.
Dr. Kole of The Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center will give you a more detailed description of the recovery that you can expect after your specific rhinoplasty, and they will provide you will written instructions as to how to best care for yourself after the procedure to minimize potential complications. For further individual specific information about your rhinoplasty procedure, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call Dr. Kole at 215-315-7655
