The recovery period is among the top concerns for rhinoplasty candidates. In order to plan for the procedure, you need to know how much time you will need to take out of your routine, how to prepare, and what to expect. Here are some of the basic expectations you can have for your rhinoplasty recovery period.

Preparing for Rhinoplasty Recovery

Before your rhinoplasty, it’s best to plan ahead by preparing your home, purchasing any necessary supplies, and making arrangements for your care. After your rhinoplasty, you will need someone to drive you home and care for you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You may need someone to assist you with daily tasks for the first few days, as you will want to avoid bending over at the waist and lifting any heavy objects.

Week One After Rhinoplasty

During the first week after your rhinoplasty, you can expect some swelling, tenderness, and bruising. This is typically at its peak around three days after the surgery. Dr. Gilpin will prescribe pain medication to help maintain your comfort during the first few days after the procedure.

At this time you should prioritize rest so that you can adequately heal and recover. After 5-7 days, some patients are ready to return to work or any non-strenuous activities. You will have a white cast on your nose for the first week after surgery, so some patients prefer to stay at home as much as possible.

Week Two After Rhinoplasty

During the second week after your rhinoplasty, you will wear a flesh-colored tape on your nose and this will be removed at your two-week post-operative appointment. Swelling should gradually subside at this point, and most patients are comfortable returning to social settings after two weeks. While you may be able to slowly return to light exercise after two weeks, it’s important to pay close attention to how you feel and avoid pushing yourself too hard.

One Month After Rhinoplasty

While you should be back to most of your normal routine after about two weeks following your rhinoplasty, there are some considerations throughout the entire first month. Avoid blowing your nose during the month following your surgery to prevent trauma while you heal; instead, clean your nose using a saline solution. It’s best to avoid wearing glasses or sunglasses for the first six weeks after surgery. You might find it somewhat difficult to breathe through your nose due to swelling through the first month, but this should quickly improve. By the end of the month, the majority of swelling should dissipate, and you will be much closer to your final results.

When Will I See Final Rhinoplasty Results?

The details of your rhinoplasty results begin to be visible at about six weeks after your surgery when most of the swelling has gone down. However, residual swelling from your rhinoplasty can persist for up to a year.  The true final results are not seen until swelling has fully dissipated and healing has completely resolved.

Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation

The specialists at Gilpin can help determine what treatment package would best suit you/your goals! To learn more about rhinoplasty and to find out if the procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gilpin. Call our Nashville office at (615) 551-9756 or request an appointment through our online form.