What to Expect During Rhinoplasty Recovery
After surgery, slight discomfort is common and can be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. It is also normal to feel tired and perhaps a little woozy as the anesthesia from surgery wears off. You must take it easy following surgery and plan to take one to two weeks off from work or school to recover. Have family or friends available to help you out during this timeframe.
You can also expect your nose to be swollen and bruised. Your eye area may look bruised and puffy, too, during your initial recovery. These aftereffects usually peak a day or two after surgery before starting to subside. You should keep your head elevated at all times, including while sleeping, to help minimize swelling.
It can take a few weeks for most of the bruising and swelling to resolve. It can take up to a year for the swelling to completely disappear, although any lingering bruising should not be noticeable to others.
Another aftereffect you can expect immediately following surgery is some discomfort related to nasal congestion. For a few days after surgery, your nose will feel plugged or stopped up, and you will need to breathe through your mouth. However, this is not painful — only slightly uncomfortable.
Depending on your individual case, a splint and/or packing may be placed inside your nose. There may be a splint or bandages placed on the outside of your nose, too. The splint(s) help to support your nose’s healing structures and protect the nose from accidentally getting bumped. Dr. Coscia will remove the splint(s) and bandages during one of your follow-up appointments a few days after surgery.
Learn More About Recovering From Rhinoplasty
Dr. Coscia has performed countless rhinoplasty procedures and is committed to helping patients like you experience a swift, smooth recovery. For more information about rhinoplasty surgery and recovery, please contact Dr. Coscia and request a consultation today.
