What Can I Expect During My Rhinoplasty Recovery?

Even if you’ve wanted a nose job (rhinoplasty) for years, you need to carefully consider when is the best time for you to get this procedure. That’s because a nose job comes with at least a few weeks of recovery. Properly planning for this time to bounce back after your rhinoplasty allows you to relax as you heal, helping you enjoy the best outcome as quickly as possible.

That’s why, in addition to talking in detail about their nose goals, Norman J. Pastorek, MD, Janice Pastorek, BSN, RN, and our team also explore the recovery period with any potential rhinoplasty patients. We can give you a more precise idea of what to expect based on what your nose job will entail when you visit us at one of our offices, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in New York City and in Madison, Connecticut. 

For now, though, we can give you a broad overview of the nose job recovery process. 

The first month

Because Dr. Pastorek has performed over 7,000 rhinoplasty procedures, he has extensive expertise in helping patients heal afterward. It’s important to follow our care instructions carefully. We give you a detailed guide to follow after your surgery. 

Plan to rest at home as much as possible during the first month. 

You’ll have a bandage over your nose for at least a week. You may also have a drip pad underneath that needs to be changed periodically. 

Have someone around to help you at home, especially during the first week. You might have a headache, trouble breathing through your nose, and discomfort. Our team offers medication to help you manage any pain you experience after your nose job. 

Most people return to work around the three-week mark, although more strenuous jobs require a longer recovery period. We monitor your healing to help you decide when it’s safe to go back to work without risking your results. 

By the end of the first month, the bulk of the swelling should go down and you’ll start to see a difference in your nose. 

The second month

Dr. Pastorek uses the latest surgical techniques and NASA technology to not just improve your nose, but also to minimize your downtime after your procedure. Half of your swelling should subside by the end of the second month. 

You should also be able to return to all of your usual activities by this point. Our team helps you gradually reintroduce things in a way that’s safe for your healing journey. 

After a year

It can take up to a year for the swelling in your nose to fully subside. At the year mark, you’ll get a clear idea of your results. 

You don’t necessarily have to wait that long to envision your outcome, though. To see some examples of the kind of nose you might be able to enjoy once you’re through the healing process, explore our before-and-after gallery featuring several of Dr. Pastorek’s rhinoplasty patients. 

A nose job can be a transformative procedure, but to see the best results, you need to plan to follow our instructions carefully during the recovery process. To get a clearer idea of what a rhinoplasty could do for you and what your healing period would look like, call either of our offices or book your appointment online today.