RHINOPLASTY

Goals: Improve nasal breathing/aesthetics and repair trauma or deformities. 

Risks: Bleeding, infection, scarring leading to undesired appearance and new or recurrent breathing issues requiring revision surgery; rare risks include septal perforation or loss of smell. 

Typical Length: 1-6 hours depending on complexity 

Postoperative Care: 

• Nasal Packing: Will be removed at your 1-week follow-up. Breathing may be difficult until then. 

• Protect the Nose: 

  • Nothing should touch your nose — including glasses (wear contacts or tape your glasses to your forehead), ice packs, or hands. 

  • Keep the cast dry: avoid steamy showers; wash hair backwards salon-style. If the cast falls off or loosens, do NOT tape or adjust it — notify your doctor. 

  • Some bloody nasal drainage is normal for a few days — use drip pads as needed. 

  • Call your doctor if: You soak more than 4 pads in an hour, or if You experience worsening pain, fever, redness or foul-smelling drainage. 

  • Facial pressure, ear pressure, discomfort with swallowing, and eye bruising are normal – typically resolves in ~2 weeks). 

• Medications

  • Percocet: For pain. Be mindful not to exceed 4000 mg of Tylenol/acetaminophen per day. 

  • Medrol Dose Pack: Steroid to reduce swelling. 

  • Antibiotic: Take as prescribed. 

  • Afrin: Use only if still bleeding, and only for the first 1–2 days. Saline Spray (Ocean): Use regularly, even if it feels ineffective. 

Typical Recovery Timeline 

• Day 1-2: The most uncomfortable period with pressure, congestions and soreness 

• Days 3-5: Many can switch to plain Tylenol. 

• Week 1: Packing, splints, and cast removed at first follow-up.

• Weeks 2-3: Most feel near 100%, though healing continues. Ok to resume physical activity and exercise. Jarring activities like running will likely still be uncomfortable.

• Weeks 3-4: Socially presentable or “restaurant ready.” About half of the swelling is resolved by 1 month. 

• Week 6: Nasal bones usually recovered their strength; All restrictions are lifted. Remain cautious with any contact sports 

• 3 Months: Recommended buffer before major life events (e.g. weddings). 

• 1 Year: Full healing and final results. Thick-skinned or revision surgery patients may take up to 2 years. 

• Typical Follow-Up: Week 1, 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and annually after that. Additional visits as needed for concerns or complications.