If you have decided to get a nose job because you don’t like how your nose looks,  you’re probably anxious to see the final results and get back to regular life as quickly as possible.  However, it takes several months for the nose to settle after surgery, so it’s important to have realistic expectations about recovery.   But how long is recovery from a nose job?

What Is A Nose Job?

A nose job or rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose.  This may involve adjusting the shape or size of structures such as the bridge or nasal tip.  Rhinoplasty may also be performed for functional reasons to correct a birth defect or breathing problem. 

Rhinoplasty is typically done on an outpatient basis under IV sedation.  The incisions for a nose job are generally made inside the nose, but some corrections may also require external incisions, which are made in the columella.   The columella is the tissue that separates the nostrils. 

How Long Is Recovery From A Nose Job

When planning for recovery after a nose job, it’s essential to understand that no two surgeries are alike.  

A nose job is customized to meet the specific needs of each patient.  Therefore, recovery will vary based on the extent of the work performed.  Patients who have minimal work done may heal faster than those who require more extensive surgery.  Recovery time after rhinoplasty also depends on age, overall health, and the body’s healing ability. 

Generally, recovery after a nose job takes 2-3 weeks, but patients should take all the time they need to heal properly.  

Recovery after revision rhinoplasty may take longer than it did for the initial procedure because significant scar tissue may be already present.  

What To Expect During Recovery

After surgery, patients will experience some swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the nose and eyes.  Most of the swelling should resolve after 2 weeks, but residual swelling around the nose may persist for up to one year. 

There may also be some pain and discomfort for the first few days after surgery, but pain medication is prescribed.  

Patients should relax as much as possible during the first week of recovery and sleep with their head elevated, to minimize bruising and swelling. 

After surgery, a splint is placed inside the nostrils to protect the new shape and provide support for the nose while it heals.  The splint is usually removed after about 7 days.

Most patients can resume light activities within 5-7 days and return to work after seven days.    

Exercise can be resumed about four to six weeks after rhinoplasty. 

When To Expect Full Recovery

Changes in the appearance of the nose occur gradually in the months following surgery as the swelling subsides.  Swelling is sometimes substantial because of the technique used to perform surgery and the extent of the operation.  As a result, it can take up to one year for the nose to settle into its final shape.  

Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips

• Don’t blow your nose.  Blowing your nose too soon after a nose job can cause bleeding and delay healing. 
• Eat a healthy diet.   Eating the essential nutrients that promote healing can speed up recovery. 
• Minimize sun exposure.  The nose is very sensitive after surgery, and too much sun can lead to sunburn and cause scars to become darker. 

When you visit your plastic surgeon for a nose job consultation, you will be provided with a recovery timeline based on your surgical plan. 

To ensure a smooth recovery after a nose job, it’s best to carefully follow the post-surgical instructions of your plastic surgeon, keep all your post-op appointments, and report any complications to your surgeon immediately.