How long does a nose job take to heal?

A nose job or rhinoplasty can help you look and feel your best, building your confidence like never before. But before you can enjoy all the benefits of your nose job, you’ll have to get through the healing period. How long does a nose job take to heal? After James Bonaparte, MD performs your nose job, several factors can influence your healing time.

The Day of Your Surgery

Many people will go home the same day as their rhinoplasty procedure. Others; however, may need to stay overnight for observation, especially if they have an open rhinoplasty surgery or a procedure that takes longer than expected.

One Week Post-Surgery

A week after your operation, your cast will be removed, and you’ll be able to see the initial results. At this point, there will likely still be considerable swelling and bruising. Many patients will want to remain out of work at this time.

Two Weeks Post-Surgery

After two weeks of recovery, you can expect most facial swelling to have gone down. You may be close enough to your new normal appearance that you feel comfortable heading back to your usual activities, including work. Two weeks post-surgery; however, you will still need to avoid your normal exercise routine.

Six Weeks After Surgery

At the six-week mark, you can expect most of the healing to have taken place. You may still have some visible external scarring, but the swelling should have disappeared. As long as Dr. Bonaparte recommends it, you can resume full normal activities, including vigorous exercise.

Three to Six Months Post-Surgery

After your rhinoplasty surgery, you may lose some loss of sensation in the skin around your nose. However, by the three to six-month mark, you should have normal sensation in the skin and be able to see most of the noticeable results.

How to Speed Up Healing After Your Nose Job

There are several ways you can lessen your healing time and return to normal faster after your rhinoplasty.

1. Keep Your Head Elevated

Try to sleep with your head in an elevated position, and do not lie on your back or lie flat during the first couple of weeks after your procedure.

2. Sleep

It can be difficult to sleep after your rhinoplasty as you may struggle to find a comfortable position. However, your body needs rest in order to heal properly. Make sure you get plenty of rest in the days following your procedure.

3. Avoid Heat Exposure

Stay out of hot showers and saunas, and try to avoid hot weather as it increases swelling in the nasal tissues and can increase your recovery time.

Schedule A Consultation

The aftermath of rhinoplasty can cause some discomfort, and many patients want to minimize healing time and get back to normal as soon as possible. By following Dr. Bonaparte’s aftercare instructions, you can maximize your results and heal as smoothly and quickly as possible.

To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling our Ottawa office at 613-369-8369 or using our online contact form.