How Long Does Swelling Last After Rhinoplasty?

The rhinoplasty procedure (commonly known as the “nose job”) is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the medical industry today.Patients who have had this procedure often have questions about the healing and recovery process.

Due to the nature of rhinoplasty, its visible results can be easily seen by others. So, it is not uncommon for patients to experience negative self-image issues as a result of swelling that appears immediately after surgery.

To ensure the best possible outcome and shorten recovery time, you should follow and comply with your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions.However, you probably want to be kept informed about the post-operative swelling following rhinoplasty surgery.

Following any surgery, swelling is a natural reaction. It enables the body to protect the area being operated on by reducing blood flow to the site.Swelling typically lasts for several weeks, but varies by individual. An individual’s recovery time depends on the extent of surgery, as well as other factors.In this article, we will examine the specific factors that affect post-operative swelling as well as offer some parallels for understanding how long the swelling should last.

 

How much swelling should I expect following my rhinoplasty procedure?

After your rhinoplasty, you’re going to feel like a beached whale. Although, no one leaves a rhinoplasty with the same amount of swelling.Depending on several factors, the level of swelling you have after your rhinoplasty procedure may range from impolite to downright painful.Many patients experience only a mild swelling after rhinoplasty but if you had extensive nasal reconstruction, your nasal tissue may experience a greater degree of swelling.

Also, patients may react differently to a same procedure and some may experience more swelling than others.It is alsocommon to see a daily fluctuation in swelling. Some days you may wake up and think you look like a balloon animal—other days you may not notice any swelling at all.

Another important thing is that swelling in the immediate aftermath of your rhinoplasty is normal and typically affects not just your nose but surrounding areas, including your eyes, cheeks and above your lips.

And lastly, the swelling will block your view on the true results of rhinoplasty until it goes down, so don’t expect perfection right away.

 

 

How long will my swelling last?

The duration of swelling after rhinoplasty varies from patient to patient.For example, patients with thicker skin may experience swelling for a longer period of time than those with thinner skin. Also, with revision rhinoplasty, swelling may last longer than it did with your first rhinoplasty surgery.

Most swelling after rhinoplasty, however, subsides within 2 weeks.After 2 weeks, you should be able to see your approximate new nose. You can return to work or school at this point, and with a bit of concealer, you can cover any residual swelling or bruising.

Don’t be surprised if your face doesn’t feel like your own right away. Your nose will still feel a little numb and stiff, and your smile might feel tight or awkward at first. But don’t worry—nobody else will notice apart from you.

Most patients feel completely normal after one month, and about 90% of swelling is usually gone within three to four months.By that point, patients tend to feel up to socializing again.

What happens to the remaining 10 percent of swelling? This will typically subside anywhere between 9 and 12 months after the surgery, possibly 18 months for patients with thicker skin.In general, It takes approximately one year to see all the results of your surgery.

 

Do some areas of the nose swell more than others?

The reason it takes about a year for swelling to go down after rhinoplasty is that different parts of the nose tighten at different rates for anatomical reasons.

Overall swelling tends to go down within two weeks to one month after surgery. Although, specific areas of the nose—the bridge and the tip—may take longer than others to return to their normal size and shape.

Swelling on the tip of the nose tends to subside more slowly than swelling on the bridge, as this is where it takes longer to go down.This long-term minor swelling that occurs on the bridge or tip of the nose following rhinoplasty is unlikely to be noticed by anyone except the surgeon who performed the procedure.

 

How can I help reduce swelling after rhinoplasty?

Upon leaving the hospital, your surgeon will give you specific instructions about how to help with swelling and recovery after rhinoplasty.Ice-packs can help to reduce swelling after surgery, but only for 10-15 minutes at a time.It is advisable to drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods rich in protein to reduce swelling and ensure recovery, as well as taking it easy and avoiding any strenuous exercise.