During Your Rhinoplasty Surgery
You’ll receive anesthesia so you won’t feel anything during nose job surgery. You have different anesthesia options:
- General anesthesia, where you will be asleep for the procedure
- Local anesthesia, which numbs an area of your body
- Intravenous (IV) sedation, which relaxes you but won’t put you to sleep
During a rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon will follow several steps:
- Make a small incision between your nostrils (if using an open approach) and one to two incisions on the insides of your nostrils
- Reposition or remove portions of your nasal bones and cartilage
- Reshape your nose, if needed, with a nasal implant or a cartilage graft from your septum, ear, or rib
- Close the incisions with dissolvable sutures (stitches)
Your surgeon will likely place splints and a cast to stabilize your nose during healing. You will also have bandages covering your nose and surgical packing inside your nostrils.
A rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, so you will return home the same day. You should not drive home. You’ll need to arrange for a ride or use public transit because the effects of anesthesia can take up to 24 hours to wear off.
A rhinoplasty will usually take 2-3 hours. Minimal changes to your nose take less time, while more extensive changes take longer.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
You’ll have pain and swelling after a nose job during recovery. The pain will lessen gradually after the first 1–2 weeks of healing.
You’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member to care for you at home during the first 24 hours after surgery. You’ll still feel the effects of anesthesia and will be on pain medication. You may also consider arranging extra help with childcare, if needed. Talk to your surgeon if you're concerned about dietary restrictions after your surgery.
You’ll need at least a week off work and may need continued extra help at home during this period. You may have temporary side effects as you recover:
- Blood or discharge from your nostrils
- Bruising
- Swelling
Your surgeon will remove the splints, cast, and external stitches at the end of your first week after surgery.
You will start to see big improvements in how you feel by week two. Swelling should reduce considerably. Most people will return to work or school during the second week. You should avoid heavy lifting or exercise for at least three weeks.
How Long Does a Nose Job Take to Heal?
The majority of healing occurs within the first two weeks after surgery. It takes about six weeks for your nasal bones and cartilage to heal enough for you to resume your usual activities. It may be several months before you see the full results of surgery.
Rhinoplasty Swelling Stages
You will have significant swelling around your nose, eyes, cheeks, and lips in the first week after surgery. Your swelling will decrease by week two, although you may still have bruising.
Swelling will decrease significantly after 4–6 weeks. You’ll be able to see more definition in your new nose shape. Most people will have no noticeable swelling after 12 weeks. However, it may take longer for swelling to disappear completely.
Nose Job Scars
Your scarring will be minimal after a nose job. If your surgeon used an open approach, you will have a small incision in the columella, the tissue at the base of your nose where your nostrils separate. You will not have any external scars if your surgeon used a closed approach.
Your rhinoplasty incision will start healing and fading after about one week. You’ll want to avoid strenuous activity, smoking, and alcohol for several weeks to help the incision heal more quickly and to avoid significant scarring. Nose job scars usually disappear completely or are barely visible after 3–6 months.
How to Sleep After a Rhinoplasty
You should sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated after a rhinoplasty. Keeping your head at a 35–45 degree angle is ideal. You may need to place pillows around your body to keep yourself from rolling over or turning your head in your sleep.
Your surgeon will tell you how long you should sleep in this position after surgery. Many people will need to sleep this way for up to two weeks.
How to Tape Your Nose After a Rhinoplasty
During recovery, your surgeon may recommend taping your nose before sleep to prevent swelling. Not all patients need to tape their noses. Your surgeon will let you know if you need to tape your nose and will give you specific instructions.
What Not to Do After Rhinoplasty
In the first 1–3 weeks after rhinoplasty, you will need to avoid specific things:
- Blowing your nose
- Bumping or touching your nose
- Exerting yourself
- Getting your nose cast wet
- Sleeping on your side or stomach
- Smoking or drinking alcohol
- Wearing glasses
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions about how long you’ll need to avoid these activities and whether there’s anything else you’ll need to avoid during recovery.
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