What is the typical rhinoplasty recovery like? What can I expect? How long after a nose job does it take to heal and how long before you can go back to work, the swelling goes down, etc?
A: Rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, most patients will require one week off work; primarily because of the obvious swelling and bruising around the eyes/nose, in addition to the splint which is removed at one week. From a pain standpoint, most patients will take narcotics for 3-4 days, but will likely stay away from most social/public interaction for 1-2 weeks due to the residual bruising/swelling that occurs.
Patients are also instructed to avoid strenuous activity in the first several weeks following a rhinoplasty to avoid any undue bleeding or swelling.
Most of the major swelling resolves within the first 2-4 weeks, however it can take up to one year to see the final contour.
William Bruno, MD
