The first two weeks after rhinoplasty: what happens day by day?
Splint, swelling, bruising, sleeping position, back to work. What my patients ask most about the first fourteen days after nose surgery, in order.
Most of my rhinoplasty patients are more curious about what comes after the operation than the operation itself: “How will I sleep the first night?”, “When will the bruising go?”, “When can I go back to work?” In this article I go through the first two weeks day by day. Everyone heals differently; these timings are an average road map, and we update your plan together at your check-ups.
The day of surgery and the first night
When you wake up there is a thin splint on your nose and soft silicone splints in your nostrils. In most patients I do not use traditional packing; thanks to the channel in the splints you can breathe a little through your nose. You stay the first night in hospital. Keeping your head raised on two pillows reduces swelling.
Days 2 and 3: peak swelling
Swelling and bruising around the eyes usually peak on the second or third day. This is normal and not a sign to worry about. Cold compresses at intervals and avoiding salty food help. Pain is usually controlled with the painkillers I prescribe; do not take blood-thinning medicines on your own.
Days 4–6: easing off
Swelling starts to go down and bruising turns yellow. You can take short walks and carry on with daily tasks at home. Bending over, heavy lifting and hot showers wait. Do not blow your nose; sneeze with your mouth open.
Day 7: the splint comes off
At your check-up the splint, tapes and internal splints are removed. You see your nose for the first time, and it will probably look more swollen than it should. Swelling, especially at the tip, settles over months; the final shape takes about a year. I say this at the consultation, but it bears repeating: the nose you see in the first week is not your final nose.
Days 8–14: back to social life
Most patients return to desk work in the second week. Any remaining yellowing can be covered with concealer. Things to keep in mind:
- Glasses: if the bones were adjusted, they should not rest on the nose for four to six weeks.
- Exercise: walking is fine; wait until week three or four for running and weights.
- Sun: the skin of the nose is sensitive, so use high-protection sunscreen.
- Sleep: on your back with your head raised for the first two weeks.
When should you call?
Call without waiting if you have nosebleeds that do not stop, increasing one-sided pain, a fever above 38°C or any change in your vision. During recovery we give you a line to reach us directly; small questions are welcome too.
This article is for general information. Your own recovery plan is set at your consultation and check-ups.
