How Long is Recovery from Rhinoplasty?

The nose’s central position on your face means it’s very much a cornerstone of facial symmetry and balance. When this feature is out of proportion or misaligned, it can distort the facial aesthetic, inducing anxiety and stealing self-confidence. It can color social, professional, and emotional aspects of your life. Rhinoplasty at Longwood Plastic Surgery can help you achieve the facial aesthetic you’ve long desired, so people notice your character, not your nose.

How Does Rhinoplasty Work?

Even minor changes to your nose can make a big difference, which is why rhinoplasty is such an effective procedure. Each nose is unique, so every rhinoplasty is unique to the patient, whether it improves the appearance or function of your nose. This procedure is designed to make changes to the nose’s bone, cartilage, or skin, which can be a delicate process. At Longwood Plastic Surgery, we work inside the nose as much as possible for minimal scarring and downtime. Some corrections cannot be made this way, so we make every attempt to keep incisions as camouflaged as possible in natural creases around your nose.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Does your nose have features that trouble you significantly and affect you in social or professional environments? Do you have difficulty breathing through your nose because of its shape or internal structure? If your nose causes you distress and you’re in good general health, you may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty at Longwood Plastic Surgery.

What is a Rhinoplasty Procedure Like?

We perform all rhinoplasty procedures in our accredited outpatient surgery suite on an outpatient basis, so you’re able to recover comfortably at home. The details of your procedure will be thoroughly discussed during the planning phase of your rhinoplasty, and each procedure takes 1.5-3 hours to complete.

How Long is Recovery from a Rhinoplasty?

Your rhinoplasty recovery time will depend on the techniques used during your procedure, but generally, downtime is between 1-2 weeks. Most patients experience only about 24 hours of pain, which can be managed by medication. Returning to work depends on how strenuous your job is, as extensive exercise should be avoided for up to 3 weeks post-op.

Your nose will be filled with sterile packing or splinted inside to hold its new position and shape, and you may have bandages across the bridge and under your nostrils to hold the position and protect your nose. The packing will be removed once your LPS surgeon is confident the contouring is set, typically at your 1-week follow-up appointment. You may experience bruising around your eyes and cheeks depending on the intensity of your procedure and the location of the repairs. Swelling is completely normal, though it will disguise the appearance of your outcome. This should subside within a few weeks, but it may take up to a year for the swelling to completely resolve because the nose’s soft tissues hold swelling longer than other areas of the body. The shape of your nose gradually emerges in the first few weeks as the puffiness subsides.

For greater comfort and good blood circulation, it’s best to recuperate propped on pillows to elevate your head. Comprehensive aftercare instructions will be provided, and for the first 24 hours, it would be helpful to have a loved one assist you with meals or anything else you might need. Getting up and walking around after the first day will help, but listen to your body and rest when you’re tired. Healing takes energy, and expanding it too fast can extend your recovery time.

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning about rhinoplasty? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.