Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Recovery

Nose reshaping cosmetic surgery will take about two hours in the operating room. But the overall process from preparation to recovery will require a considerable time commitment from the patient. Recovery is a vital part of the process, and the patient should be prepared to go through it in accordance with the surgeon’s advice.

At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about various aspects of rhinoplasty, including the estimated recovery.

Busy and working people can schedule their nose surgery at a time when they can allocate dedicated time for post-surgical recovery. ABPS plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Guidelines for Recovery

Rhinoplasty is performed as an outpatient surgery. The patient should have someone to drive them back home after the surgery is over. They should also arrange for aftercare for a few days, particularly if they have little kids at home to look after. Working individuals should apply in advance for a week’s leave at their workplace. They may also have to go through another week of limited physical activity at work.

The patient will receive instructions for post-operative recovery after the nose plastic surgery is completed and they are ready to return to home. Following the instructions diligently will help expedite recovery and mitigate post-op risks. Following the surgery, the patient should gradually improve their diet, increase the intake of lean proteins, and stay sufficiently hydrated.

In the first 48 hours after rhinoplasty, the patient should use ice packs to improve swelling. In the first week, the patient should take plenty of rest at home, but should perform short walks and do light activities to increase blood flow in the incision sites.

First 48 Hours

Following nose surgery, the patient will go through some pain and discomfort during the first 24 to 48 hours. The effects of general anesthesia will wear off gradually, and the patient may experience pain in the incision sites, mild headache, and nosebleeds. Bruising and swelling will be pronounced during this period.

During this initial phase, the patient should rest with the head placed at a raised level. Nosebleeds may occur, but the patient should take care not to blow the nose in the early recovery phase. From the second day of the surgery, the patient can take short walks at home and perform light activities.

First Two Weeks

In the first week, the patient should stay confined to the home and allow for the wounds to heal. By the end of first week, the patient may have to visit for a follow-up appointment to the surgeon’s office. Sutures, drains and nasal packing or splint may be removed at this stage.

Bruising will rapidly subside by this time, and most patients can resume their normal routine or return to work. Vigorous activities and lifting of heavy weights should be avoided for two to three weeks. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim, contact us (310) 271-6996 at or click here.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.