You may be surprised to know that rhinoplasty is relatively painless when compared with other plastic surgery procedures. Most patients take pain meds for a day or two then switch to tylenol. During your recovery, expect swelling and bruising around the eyes. You will need to keep your head elevated for at least 24 hours after your surgery to help reduce the swelling. Small baggies of ice will further help to reduce swelling. If you have a nasal splint, it will be removed in 7 days. The tape is also removed and replaced for another week and instructions for week two will be given.
If you have undergone a closed minimally invasive rhinoplasty then no removal of sutures are needed as they will all dissolve on their own. In an open rhinoplasty, there will be approximately three sutures which will be removed on the seventh day. All splints are removed on day 7 as well. Low salt diet will reduce the time you will be swollen. By three weeks, the bruising, swelling, and redness will have faded and you may resume exercising at about 4-6 weeks. Its important to understand that your surgery is specifically tailored to your needs so there will always be variations in the timing of your healing.
Dr. Ambay and his staff will give you specific instructions at the pre-operative visit to follow during your recovery period. These instructions must be followed with great care to ensure optimal healing. It will include instructions on the application of medication, caring for your surgical site, and follow up appointments.
Once you have fully recovered from nose surgery, it could take up to 6 months to a year for all the very fine and subtle refinements to be visible.