Avoid blowing your nose for about two weeks following surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding. You should also refrain from exercise for at least 24 hours. After this, a little light exercise, such as walking, will improve the blood flow and help you recover faster. You can usually resume your normal activities at this point. Avoid bending or lifting anything heavier than a few pounds for several weeks. You can resume light aerobics or jogging after week two. After about three weeks, you will be able to resume your normal leisure and recreational activities. There will normally have no restrictions aside from contact sports (which you should not engage in for at least 6 weeks).

Your rhinoplasty surgeon may prescribe a short-term pain medication or some type of herbal remedies to help with bruising. You will probably receive a list of medications to avoid after surgery do you don’t disrupt your healing process. Speak to your doctor about this and don’t take anything without asking about it.

The skin on your nose may be more prone to breaking out and will be more sensitive to sunburn. It’s a good idea to avoid extreme heat and protect your face from the sun. Once the inflammation resolves, your nose should return to normal.

Most patients choose to remain home for a week, but some adventurous patients return within a few days! Once the splint is removed, you should be “restaurant ready” about two weeks after rhinoplasty surgery.

Contact your rhinoplasty surgeon if you experience any difficulties breathing or hear whistling when you breathe. You could have an obstruction or some type of perforation in the septum, and these problems should be addressed as soon as possible.

Some swelling may last as long as 6 weeks. Be prepared for your nose to look swollen or puffy for 3 to 4 months. You may have to wait up to 18 months before the swelling has diminished and you can see the final shape of your new nose.