What should i expect during rhinoplasty recovery?

Medication & Info...: Most patients report their pain after septorhinoplasty to be easily managed by their pain medication prescription. Most patients only need that medicine for 3-4 days. The large complaint is nasal congestion, swelling and stuffiness. Bruising may occur. Ice the nose every hour or so (while you are awake) for 48 hours after surgery. Discuss with your surgeon, he can certainly help guide you.

Healing, stuffiness!: You will have some swelling and numbness, as well as some periodic stuffiness as internal swelling goes down and healing progresses. Final results are seen at 6-12 months, including sensation return. Pain is usually less than most patients anticipate! can't blow your nose or exercise for at least 3 weeks; need to watch sunburn or frostbite until sensation recovers (6-12 mo). Follow surgeon's rules.

Rhinoplasty recovery: Patients are typically functional within the first week after rhinoplasty. Most swelling and bruising resolves within 2 weeks approximately. Exercise and heavy activity is restricted during these first 2 weeks. Patients are commonly back to work after one week. After this initial recovery period, the nose continues to improve slowly.

Congestion: The good new is that most patients don't experience too much discomfort after rhinoplasty. Everyone suffers from about 1 week of severe congestion, facial swelling and fatigue (usually from not sleeping well due to congestion). Bruising take about 2 weeks to resolve. Minor changes to the shape of the nose will occur for up to a year +. Good luck!