Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline: What To Expect Week By Week

Rhinoplasty surgery, also known as a nose job, is a complex procedure that can address the size and shape of the nose. As with any surgical procedure, there is a recovery period following your surgery and your “final” results will completely settle in about 1 year post-op. Let’s dive into the rhinoplasty recovery timeline and what you can expect during your rhinoplasty recovery week by week!

Rhinoplasty Recovery Week By Week

Day 1:

• Liquid Meals (i.e soup) prior to taking pain medications until the day after surgery; may transition to puree or soft foods.

• Pain medications, as directed. No driving while taking pain medications.

• Apply indirect ice to the cheek/eye area to minimize swelling and bruising for the first 48 hours. No ice to the nose.

• No strenuous activity for 6 weeks, including cardiovascular activity or lifting greater than 5 lbs.

• Sleep with head elevated for the first week.

• You will probably have a bloody nasal discharge for 3-4 days and may change the drip pad under your nose as often as needed. Do not rub or blot your nose, as this will tend to irritate it. You may discard the drip pad and remove the tape on your cheeks when the drainage has stopped. Do not remove any of the splint(s).

• Keep the inside edges of your nostrils and any stitches clean by using a Q-tip slightly saturated with hydrogen peroxide. This will help prevent crust from forming. You are to advance the Q-tip into the nose as far as the entire cotton tip, but no further. You will not hurt anything inside your nose as long as you are gentle in your actions.

Week 1:

• Sleep flat on back. Do not sleep directly on surgical incision and avoid putting stress/tension on surgical site.

• If your sutures are not dissolvable, they will be removed in 7-10 days.

Week 2:

• External splints to be removed.

Week 4:

• You can start to gently sniff or blow your nose.

• Mild cardio, as tolerated; ie. Elliptical, treadmill walking, stationary bike.

• Mild soap and makeup can be applied. Moisturizing creams can be used if the nose is dry.

Week 6:

• Regular exercise, once cleared at follow up appointment with surgical team. Listen to your body! If it hurts, don’t do it.

• You can now rest glasses on your nose, mild pressure can be applied.

• You may resume tub bathing and swimming, once cleared at follow up appointment by your surgical team (No scabs, completely healed.)

• Always use sunscreen SPF 30-50 if sun exposure is unavoidable. We highly recommend to avoid exposing your scar to the sun for at least 12 months. Scars take a year or more to fully heal.

• May sleep in any position, as tolerated, once cleared at follow up by your surgical team.

• Begin scar care: Silagen Recommended and available at Vado Plastic Surgery.

How Long Is Rhinoplasty Recovery?

Following surgery, your nose will be placed in an external and/or internal splint and bandaged which will typically be removed within 7-14 days post-op. While you may feel comfortable enough to move around within 24 hours, patients typically require at least 1-2 week off from work or school as they heal. Patients should avoid any cardiovascular activity or heavy lifting (anything above 5lbs) for 4 - 6 weeks. 

It is important to understand that each patient is unique and your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors. Our team will be here to guide you with post-op instructions in order to ensure a healthy and safe recovery.

• Enhancement: Immediate 

• 90% swelling reduction: 4 weeks 

• Full settling: 1 year

If you’re interested in booking a consultation with one of our talented rhinoplasty plastic surgeons in Orlando, FL, we offer both virtual and in-person consultations where you will receive an evaluation, discuss your goals, ask any questions you may have, and then receive an exact quote along with financing information. To book your consultation, call us at (407) 377-5438 or fill out our online form here and a patient concierge will be in contact with you.