Not sure what to expect during your rhinoplasty recovery? This is one of the most common concerns that people bring up during their consultation.
To help you plan for the days and weeks following your procedure, take a look at this nose job recovery day-by-day timeline.
Days 1 to 3
During the first 72 hours after your rhinoplasty, focus on taking it easy and letting your body rest. This is usually when the most tenderness, swelling and bruising will occur. Applying a cold compress every hour or so can help to make you more comfortable.
Days 4 to 7
Many people are ready and able to go back to work within 1 to 2 weeks after their nose job.
After day three, you should start to feel more comfortable and up to slowly getting back into a routine. Bandages are typically removed seven days after your rhinoplasty procedure.
Weeks 2 to 4
Around two to three weeks after rhinoplasty, you shouldn’t have any visible signs of sutures, so most people feel confident returning to social activities around this time.
You’ll still need to limit your physical activity until around week four, though. Check in with Dr. Ezzat to make sure you’re in the clear to get back to the gym around this time. Some people might have to wait a little longer, depending on the rate at which their bodies heal.
Week 8 and Beyond
A good portion of the swelling should be gone by week eight, and you should be back to your regular exercise regimen. Your breathing should be back to normal if not improved by this time, as well.
Your nose job results should continue to develop after the eight-week mark, but at a much slower rate. Some areas, such as the tip, may not show results until 8 months out. Final results can take up to a year or longer to be achieved.
For more information about your rhinoplasty recovery time or to schedule an appointment, please contact us online.
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- Yes, Skin Thickness Does Matter When Determining Rhinoplasty Results
- How Can Rhinoplasty Change Your Nose? [Infographic]
Author: Dr. Waleed Ezzat
Dr. Waleed Ezzat is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. At the Boston Center for Facial Plastics, he specializes in face, head and neck reconstructive procedures, congenital and traumatic deformities, and skin or tissue abnormalities resulting from a previous surgery or illness.
