Immediately after surgery

Following surgery, you will most likely experience some pain in your nose, accompanied by a headache. You’ll wake up with your bandages and splint affixed to your nose to help keep it in place during the initial healing process. You can find more information on what to expect from your procedure here.

Your surgeon should provide you with some painkillers to help ease the pain, but normally you should be able to return home to rest a few hours after the procedure as long as everything has gone well.

Your nose might feel blocked and stuffy, so you might find it more comfortable to breathe through your mouth during the initial healing period. The tip of your nose could feel numb and you will most likely have some swelling and bruising around your eye and cheek area.

It’s important to follow your surgeon’s care instructions correctly to allow your nose to heal as it should. For the first few days, you should rest up and avoid any strenuous activities which could cause you to knock your new nose.

One week after surgery

After the first week of your recovery, your rhinoplasty surgeon will ask you to come into the clinic to examine your nose and make sure everything is healing as it should be. At this point, you’ll likely have your splint removed. Your surgeon will tell you how to care for your nose now that your bandages are off, follow this advice as closely as you can in order to get the best results.

By now, you should be able to return to your normal daily routine and activities - just make sure you are careful not to knock or irritate your nose with too much sun exposure or pressure on your face, such as wearing glasses or sleeping on your front.

Two weeks after surgery

Most of your bruising should have settled down by this point and the pain should be subsiding. You’ll still want to be considerate of what you are doing, but you’ll be able to move your face much easier by now.

Four weeks after surgery

By now all of your bruising should be gone. However, don’t worry if you are someone who bruises easily and for prolonged periods of time - just make sure to check in with your surgeon that everything is ok.

If you’re someone who enjoys working out, you can begin to do light cardiovascular exercises at this point.

Six weeks after surgery

By now, your new nose should be settling into your face and the bone structure should be stable. You’ll be able to resume light resistance workouts and continue with strength training, just check with your surgeon if any of your exercise methods could hinder the healing process of your rhinoplasty.

Six months after surgery

By the three-to-six month mark, any skin numbness and unusual tingling or sharp shooting pains should be gone. You should be able to touch your nose with slight pressure without feeling any pain. If you have any concerns at this stage, make sure you consult your doctor.

One year after surgery

Your rhinoplasty surgery should have completely healed after one year and you shouldn’t have any pain, swelling, or bruising. Any scars should be fully healed and minimal and you should be able to see the full effect of your rhinoplasty.

If you are experiencing any abnormal discomfort or side effects, speak with your surgeon immediately. Likewise, if you are unhappy with your results and think that the surgery was missold to you or negligently performed, contact a cosmetic surgery solicitor to talk through your next steps.