Stages of Rhinoplasty Swelling Recovery Timeline & Tips

As with any surgical procedure, various complications may occur after rhinoplasty. Your doctor will inform you before surgery about the potential complications that may arise after rhinoplasty.

However, in order to control difficulties after rhinoplasty, you must maintain touch with your doctor, take the drugs provided by your doctor on a daily basis, and adhere to your doctor's healing recommendations.

Summary of the process to understand the stages of rhinoplasty swelling

As is known, the most expected complication after rhinoplasty is the swelling in the surgical and facial areas. Although these swellings decrease over time, they can remain for a long period. Don't worry about this, because this is a response from your body to the rhinoplasty procedure. The important thing is knowing what to do and when to manage the swelling.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping and resizing the nose to address structural, functional, or aesthetic issues.

The following conditions may necessitate rhinoplasties:

Correction of genetic or trauma-induced deformities in the nose
Restoring impaired nasal functions (septum deviation, inability to breathe comfortably, etc.).
Aesthetic needs to harmonise the nose with the face.

What is the procedure for performing rhinoplasty?

Local anesthetic is preferable for minor nasal surgery. General anesthetic is administered for extensive rhinoplasty.

Surgeons initially create incisions to detach the nasal skin from the underlying bone and cartilage in order to rectify functional or structural issues with the nose. Subsequently, they contour the bones and cartilages as required and secure the surgical site using absorbable sutures in the nasal region. Sutures are employed to close the skin externally on the nose, which can subsequently be removed.

Depending on the type of procedure, the duration of surgery may take between 1 hour and 3 hours.

Recovery period after rhinoplasty:

The recovery process after rhinoplasty will take approximately 1 year. At the end of one year, you will have a new nose without structural or functional issues. The most important factor affecting the length of the recovery process is your overall health condition. If you have diabetes or smoke, this can delay the healing of wounds.

If you follow your doctor's recommendations after the rhinoplasty procedure, you can have a very smooth and comfortable recovery process. It is very important to know what situations you will encounter after the rhinoplasty procedure and what you need to do in these situations. Additionally, you need to stay in contact with your doctor to manage the rhinoplasty process.

First, let's provide general information about the situations you might encounter after rhinoplasty—that is, the complications of rhinoplasty.

Expected complications after surgery:

Swelling:

Swelling may occur around the nose and under the eyes. Swelling may be excessive for the first 48 hours after surgery. However, it starts to decrease and resolves after a few weeks. You can apply a cold compress around the eyes for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling. Sleep with your head elevated for a month.

Bruising:

Mild bruising around the eye area may occur and may last for a week. You can apply a cold compress to the eye area for the first 48 hours to reduce bruising.

Pain:

Pain is usually mild. You can use pain medication prescribed by your doctor.

Tenderness and numbness:

Mild tenderness or numbness may be felt at or around the tip of the nose. Usually resolves within a few weeks.

Nasal congestion:

If there is a splint or tampon in the nose, there may be a feeling of congestion. Breathing is usually relieved after the tampon is removed.

Bleeding and leaking:

There may be slight bleeding or leakage from the nostrils for the first few days after surgery. You can use gauze pads given by your surgeon.

Why Swelling Occurs After Rhinoplasty?

Swelling and bruising may occur after rhinoplasty. This swelling and bruising is usually temporary and will decrease as the healing process progresses.

Swelling in the nose area
Swelling around the eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Expected swelling due to rhinoplasty:

First of all, it should be known that swelling after rhinoplasty is a normal part of the healing process and an expected condition. The following factors are expected to cause swelling after rhinoplasty:

Swelling caused by trauma during the rhinoplasty procedure:

During the rhinoplasty procedure, surgeons will perform various procedures on your nasal bones and cartilage to address functional issues or to give your nose the desired aesthetic shape. Surgeons will make incisions to access the structures beneath your nose as part of the rhinoplasty procedure. Therefore, the procedure will result in trauma to the nose and surrounding tissues. As a result of this trauma, swelling and bruising will occur.

Swelling caused by the body's response to rhinoplasty:

The body will react to the changes made in the nose with the rhinoplasty procedure, and this reaction is called the body's answer. The body will start to produce fluid in answer to the surgery, and this will cause postoperative swelling in the area around the nose

Unexpected swelling after rhinoplasty:

Unexpected swelling after rhinoplasty occurs when the expected swelling does not subside for an extended period. In some cases, the residual swelling may persist beyond the expected recovery period. Factors such as thick nasal skin or a history of revision rhinoplasty can cause this swelling. An infection or an allergic reaction could be the root cause of this swelling. If you have the following symptoms, you should consult your surgeon immediately.

Severe pain or fever
Large swelling with discharge from the operation site
Severe swelling that is incompatible with your healing process and worsens over time
Irregular swelling that appears asymmetrical
Difficulty in nasal breathing due to swelling
Allergic reactions

Managing swelling after rhinoplasty:

To manage swelling after rhinoplasty, you need to be familiar with the healing process. We will provide you with a timetable for the healing process and give you some information about what situations you may encounter within the specified periods and what you should do in possible situations.

Day 1:

Your situation:

After surgery, a nasal packing is placed in the nostrils to support the nose structure and absorb excess blood or fluid. To support the new shape of your nose and prevent swelling, your nose will also have a bandage and splint.
You will have mild pain at the operation site.

What you should do:

You can use painkillers prescribed by your doctor for your pain.
Rest with your head higher than your body. You can use 2 or 3 pillows if necessary.
Do not blow your nose.
Protect your nose from traumas.
Stop or suspend the use of alcohol and tobacco for a certain period of time after the operation

Day 2-3:

Your situation:

There will be bruising and some swelling around your nose, eyes, cheeks, and lips due to rhinoplasty.

You will have mild pain.

You may have difficulty breathing through the nose due to nasal congestion due to swelling.

What you should do:

Apply ice packs or ice wrapped in a towel to the areas of swelling to help reduce swelling from rhinoplasty. For 72 hours, continue to apply cold to your nose for 10-20 minutes every 1-2 hours.
For pain, take the painkillers prescribed by your doctor as recommended.
Continue to rest with your head higher than your body.
Do not wear glasses for a while to prevent pressure on your nose.
Do not blow your nose.
Limit your sodium intake to help reduce fluid retention and swelling.
Drink plenty of fluids and follow a light diet.
Stop or suspend the use of alcohol and tobacco for a certain period of time after the operation

Day 4-7

Your situation:

You will feel a decrease in swelling and bruising.
Discharges from your nose may increase after the operation.
Nasal congestion will decrease, and you will start to breathe more easily through your nose.
Your pain will decrease.

What you should do:

Continue to apply ice packs or ice wrapped in a towel to areas of swelling to help reduce swelling.
For pain, continue to take the pain medication prescribed by your doctor as recommended.
Continue to rest with your head elevated above your body.
Do not blow your nose.
Protect your nose from traumas.
Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a light diet.
Stop or suspend the use of alcohol and tobacco for a certain period of time after the operation
Keep your nose moist using nasal sprays or saline solutions as recommended by the surgeon until the tampons are removed

Weeks 1- 2:

Your situation:

You will go to the clinic on the date specified by your doctor, and the bandage and splint on your nose will be removed, and your stitches will be removed.
The tissues will continue to heal during this time, and the blood vessels affected during surgery will begin to heal and absorb blood. Therefore, swelling, bruising, and pain will continue to decrease. The initial intense swelling and bruising begin to decrease, and the swelling continues to decrease. However, the tip of the nose may remain swollen; nasal tip swelling is a standard feature of the stages of rhinoplasty application.
You will breathe more comfortably through your nose.

What you should do:

You can do your daily work without straining yourself.
Protect your nose against trauma and direct sunlight
If your job is not physically demanding, you can return to work at the end of the second week after the rhinoplasty.
Stop or suspend the use of alcohol and tobacco for a certain period of time after the operation

Weeks 3-4:

Your situation:

The swelling caused by rhinoplasty is greatly reduced.
You may still feel sensitivity in your nose.
Your pain has almost disappeared.

What you should do:

You can return to most of your normal activities, except strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
Avoid excessive rubbing and trauma to your nose.
If you still have bruising around your eyes, protect your eyes from sunlight.
Ensure that your healing process is monitored by going to regular check-ups on the dates specified by your surgeon.

Weeks 5-8:

Your situation:

The swelling in your nose will continue to decrease.
Bruising has almost disappeared.
Nasal cartilage and tissues continue to adapt to their new shape.
You will breathe very comfortably through your nose.
Your nose will gradually begin to take its new, moulded form.

What you should do:

You can continue light exercise routines, such as walking, with caution.
Protect your nose against trauma
Ensure that your healing process is monitored by going to regular check-ups on the dates specified by your surgeon.

Weeks 9-12:

Your situation:

The texture and feel of the skin around your nose will continue to normalize, and no scar tissue will remain.
During this time, your nose will begin to regain its final shape and size.

What you should do:

Now, with your doctor's approval, you can safely resume all physical activities. However, protect your nose against trauma.
Ensure that your healing process is monitored by going to regular check-ups on the dates specified by your surgeon.
Protect your nose against trauma

Months 3-6:

Your situation:

The swelling after rhinoplasty continues to decrease in the following months as the body absorbs the fluids and the nasal tissues adapt to their new shape. 60–80% of the swelling after rhinoplasty usually subsides within six months. The remaining 10-20% is mostly located at the tip of the nose.
The skin of the nose also begins to tighten over the reshaped nasal bones and cartilage, improving the shape of the nose.
The resolution of numbness or tingling in the skin or inside the nose begins.

What you should do:

You can continue your physical activities, but avoid activities that could raise your blood pressure or pose a risk of injury.
Protect your nose from trauma.
Ensure that your healing process is monitored by going to regular check-ups on the dates specified by your surgeon.

Months 7-12:

Your situation:

The structure of the nose shows the expected shape from rhinoplasty. The effects of rhinoplasty lead to subtle changes in the nose's final shape.
The swelling has subsided.
Nasal congestion has also decreased significantly, and progress toward full recovery continues.

What you should do:

Protect your nose from trauma.
Ensure that your healing process is monitored by going to regular check-ups on the dates specified by your surgeon.

After 1 year:

Your situation:

Nasal and scar tissue have healed. The bone and cartilage structure is in place. Your self-confidence has increased with your new nose

What you should do:

Although the complications of rhinoplasty have completely resolved, you should continue to pay attention to the matters you have been careful about during the post-rhinoplasty period and protect your nose from trauma for a while longer.
You regularly attended doctor check-ups during the recovery process after rhinoplasty. Don't skip check-ups just because the recovery is complete. Because the period after the first year is the process of monitoring the effects of rhinoplasty.

F.A.Q:

Should a tampon be placed in the nose after rhinoplasty?

If the nasal septum or turbinates have been intervened in rhinoplasty, a tampon should be placed. Nowadays, flexible tampons made of soft silicone are used. Silicone tampons are preferred because they reduce both bleeding and the risk of developing adhesions in the nose after surgery.

Can I breathe with a tampon in my nose?

These tampons have a tube in the middle. If they are not blocked with dried mucus or clots, you can breathe through the nose even with a tampon.

Will I feel pain when the tampon and bandage are removed from my nose?

The removal process takes 10-15 seconds, and you will not feel pain.

Can allergic rhinitis have rhinoplasty?

Allergic rhinitis does not prevent rhinoplasty.

How long will my nose look big after rhinoplasty?

Swelling causes the nose to appear larger than its final size after rhinoplasty. This becomes most pronounced in the first week and gradually decreases over the following weeks. About 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery, you should see a significant reduction in swelling.

Is nasal tip swelling normal after rhinoplasty?

Yes, it is completely normal and actually expected. The tip of the nose stays swollen longer because more soft tissues are together.

Why does the tip of my nose look bulbous after rhinoplasty?

The tip of your nose has soft tissue, and this tissue retains fluid. Therefore, it is quite common for the tip of the nose to be bulbous immediately after rhinoplasty, and it is usually due to swelling. The tip of your nose stays swollen longer than the other parts.

Will the eyes look bigger after rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty does not directly affect the size of your eyes. Since the changes in your nose affect the balance of your face, your eyes appear larger.

Should I massage the tip of my nose after rhinoplasty?

You should follow your doctor's recommendations after rhinoplasty. Whether or not to massage the tip of the nose is entirely a decision made by your doctor. It may be useful in cases where there is excessive edema in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. However, a structural disorder caused by surgery cannot be corrected with massage.

Are there any scars after rhinoplasty?

Some patients may have minimal scars from the open rhinoplasty procedure, which are hardly noticeable. However, there is no scarring in closed rhinoplasty.

How long does it take to see results after rhinoplasty?

Although the final results are not fully apparent until a year after surgery, most patients see a noticeable difference in the appearance of their nose and have an idea of what the result will look like approximately 4-6 months after rhinoplasty

How do I know if the rhinoplasty was successful?

After a successful rhinoplasty, the following symptoms should be present:

The nose is compatible with the general structure of the face and looks natural
Balanced and symmetrical appearance of both sides of the nose.
The nose is compatible with the forehead, chin and lips
Breathing comfortably through the nose
No loss of sense of smell
The skin on the nose has a healthy and natural appearance.
Minimal or invisible surgical scars.
The rhinoplasty surgeon confirms that the nose is successfully shaped anatomically and fulfils its function in the controls
If you have had rhinoplasty for aesthetic purposes, see that the shape of your nose is as you want.

Will I need rhinoplasty revision surgery?

Very rarely, a secondary rhinoplasty may be needed due to incomplete structural, functional, and aesthetic results of the nose.