What to Expect
After surgery you will have a cast on the outside of your nose and, most often, splints inside it. Bruising and swelling are at their worst during the first week. If bruising is present, it typically subsides by 10-14 days, by which point most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social events without obvious signs of surgery. Recovery from revision surgery is more variable than from a primary rhinoplasty, and swelling tends to be more noticeable. While much of the swelling resolves within a month after a primary rhinoplasty, revision patients can have more significant swelling that lasts for many months. The healing process is slower, and the final result takes years.
Pain is usually worst during the first three days and eases after that. Numbness of the nasal skin (and sometimes the upper front teeth and the roof of the mouth) can occur, and typically resolves over a few weeks to months. Avoid blowing your nose for the first four weeks. Arnica Montana may be taken during the first four days to help minimize bruising. Gentle walking around the house or store is encouraged beginning the day of surgery; light exercise may resume after two weeks, and vigorous exercise after four. Sleeping with the head of your bed elevated helps reduce swelling.
Anticipated Recovery Timeline
Day of Surgery. Dr. Namin will meet with your family or friend once your procedure is complete. You will wake up with a cast over your nose and splints inside it. You will typically spend one to two hours in the surgical facility afterward. It is important that someone stays with you the first night after surgery.
Post-Operative Days 1-3. Apply cool compresses for up to 5 minutes every hour, and sleep with the head of your bed elevated. Bruising and swelling typically peak during this window.
Post-Operative Day 8. Dr. Namin will see you back in clinic to remove the cast and internal splints. Bruising begins to improve. If you are traveling from out of town, you can plan to return home after this visit.
Post-Operative Week 2. Most bruising has resolved, and you can usually return to work and social events. You may resume light exercise.
Post-Operative Weeks 2-4. In revision cases, swelling can remain quite noticeable during the first few months. Be patient, and continue taping as directed.
Post-Operative Week 4. Dr. Namin will see you for your second post-operative visit. You may resume vigorous exercise. Be patient with the swelling; the final result will take at least one year.