Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) Recovery
After your surgery you will be drowsy and unable to drive so make sure you arrange for a friend or relative to pick you up. It is also a good idea to arrange for someone to look after you for a couple of days after surgery as you will need to take it easy and must not exert yourself. It is recommended that you stay in bed and keep your head elevated for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
Your nose will be sore after your surgery and there will be swelling and bruising. Some people also get black eyes after rhinoplasty surgery. Applying cold compresses around, but not directly on, the nose will help reduce swelling. You may also get some bleeding and should not blow your nose for at least a week. Most of these side effects will go after two or three weeks but it can take several months to completely recover.
Any pain and discomfort can be alleviated with painkillers. Your surgeon may also prescribe you antibiotics which you should take as instructed.
For the first week after your surgery, you should sleep with your head and shoulders raised to keep the swelling and bruising to a minimum and avoid bending over as this can increase blood flow to the nose and increase swelling and post-operative bleeding.
The nasal packing will be removed after a few days, and the splint (which covers the nose after surgery) and/or stitches will be removed one to two weeks later.
Quite often with nose jobs you may look worse than you feel and may want to avoid going out in public until the bruising and swelling has subsided.
You should be able to return to work after a week although you may still be swollen and bruised. You should avoid doing any strenuous activities or playing any contact sports, which may result in your nose being damaged. If you wear glasses will have to have them taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for around six to seven weeks following surgery to ensure your nose heals properly.
