So you’ve decided to undergo rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, to improve your profile or correct breathing difficulties. You’re in good hands with cosmetic surgeon Yaqub Baraki, MD, and the team at Lansdowne Aesthetic Center.
Hundreds of thousands of people undergo nose surgery every year. Know that initial recuperation usually takes one to two weeks, but it may take several months for all of your swelling to go down and for you to fully enjoy your new look.
Whether you’re undergoing nose surgery to remove a large hump on the bridge of your nose, alter your nose dimensions, reform the tip, or repair a deviated septum, recovery is similar in all cases. Every surgery and patient is different, but here’s what you can generally expect during recovery.
Nose surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. You’ll be placed under general anesthesia for the surgery, which takes about two hours total depending on your case.
When you’re wheeled out of the operating room, nurses monitor your vitals and ensure you’re completely out of anesthesia and stable before sending you home with a family member or friend.
You’ll have bandages on your nose and a splint braced at your cheek and sometimes on your forehead. It’s normal to have some bleeding and discharge come from the nostrils.
Once you get home, take it easy. You’ll feel groggy from the anesthesia and need to take it easy, so your body can initiate the immediate healing. Doing too much in these first few days can lead to bleeding or other complications. You’ll benefit from having support from family and friends as you recover this first week.
Expect to wear the bandages for about one week. We’ll give you instructions on how to care for the area and keep the bandages as dry as possible. Plan to lie low as you won’t be looking your best or feeling especially energetic.
Any initial soreness and pain is controlled with medications. You’ll notice some initial bruising in the area around your eyes, but that fades within a few days, and your skin will look clear within two weeks.
To minimize swelling in the days after surgery, we recommend you keep your head elevated, even when you sleep.
You’ll come to Lansdowne Aesthetic Center about five to seven days following surgery to check in with the doctor. Dr. Baraki will likely remove your bandages, take off the splint, and take out any stitches. You’ll still have some noticeable swelling and discoloration. Most people can go back to work about one week post-procedure, as long as your job doesn’t require heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
Remember that the nose is prone to swelling, and your results will take some time to fully appear. After about three to four weeks, swelling will go down enough that you and those closest to you will be the only ones who notice it. The final bit of swelling may take a year to resolve, and that’s when you’ll see the final results of your nose job.
Prior to your surgery, you’ll undergo a thorough consultation with Dr. Baraki, so he fully understands your goals. Plus, he’ll help you know what to expect before, during, and after nose surgery. We’re always available to answer questions during recovery and to schedule a visit if you experience a complication.
If you’re considering nose surgery, contact Lansdowne Aesthetic Center. Call today, or use the online tool to set up a consultation
