Final Results Of A Nose Job May Not Be Apparent For Up To A Year

After your surgery, you will have a splint or "cast" on the outer aspect of your nose and may have gauze packing in your nose. You will also have a "drip bandage" taped under your nose to catch any surgical drainage. Plastic surgeons recommend that you remain upright as much as possible for the first few days. They also suggest propping yourself with several pillows and a wedge to maintain an upright position. This position will help you breath and sleep easier. You should expect to breathe through your mouth for the first several days and are encouraged not to sneeze, blow your nose, or put your head lower than your heart.

Your face will likely feel swollen and puffy for at least the first 24 hours after your surgery. In addition to sitting upright, plastic surgeons recommend that you pack ice around the surgical area for the first 3 days to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling and bruising. You will likely bruise around your eyes and cheeks, but this should decrease within 2 to 4 days and markedly fade within 2 weeks. You will likely have some bleeding and drainage from your nose, so the "drip bandage" will need to be changed periodically for the first several days.

In the first days and weeks following surgery, you will begin to see your new look. Typically, plastic surgeons remove the packing at 1 to 3 days post-operatively and the splint 5 days post-operatively. You will likely experience some swelling for the first 3 months, so the final result may not be apparent for a year or more, as you continue through the healing process.

Your healing will depend significantly on how well you follow your post-operative instructions. You will likely feel pretty good within a couple of days, but will want to wait to return to work or school until after about 5 days. (Plastic surgeons see patients return to work or school anywhere from 5 to 14 days after surgery.) Sutures, if any, will be removed 5 to 7 days post-operatively. At 2 weeks, you will likely feel close to 100%, but many plastic surgeons advise that you not resume any physical activity for at least 4 weeks post-operatively. Until your plastic surgeon advises otherwise, you will also need to avoid any contact sports.

It is important for you to closely monitor and control contact with your nose to ensure proper healing. You need to avoid bumping your nose or face, blowing your nose, and contact with heavy glasses (or sunglasses) for about the first month. Lastly, you will want to be careful with any sun exposure to your face for 2 weeks before surgery to 8 weeks after surgery.

Your plastic surgeon will schedule frequent follow-up visits in the months following your surgery to closely monitor your healing. If you experience any unusual symptoms between visits, you are encouraged to call your surgeon's office.

With rhinoplasty, the complications are infrequent and usually minor. There is always a possibility of infection, nosebleed, or reaction to anesthesia. In rare cases, a secondary procedure may be required. Examples include correcting a mild deformity and/or further refinement.