Rhinoplasty Aftercare & Recovery: What to Expect During the Healing Process

Known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is one of the most popular facial plastic surgery procedures to achieve greater facial harmony and balance the proportions of the nose with your surrounding features. While the results can be transformative — both aesthetically and functionally — understanding what to expect during the recovery process is key for a smooth, successful experience before and after surgery. Here, New York City aesthetic plastic surgeon Neal Goldberg, MD, FACS outlines need-to-know information for patients in Westchester and nearby areas considering nose surgery. While he will apprise you of all aftercare guidelines in person, familiarizing yourself with the healing process can give you insight into activity restrictions, an approximate recovery timeline, and more.

What Should I Do Immediately After Rhinoplasty?

While detailed post-operative instructions will be provided in person, Dr. Goldberg can provide a cursory introduction into what rhinoplasty patients can anticipate immediately after their surgery. Once you return home from your procedure:

• Get plenty of rest for the first couple of days and practice light ambulation when you feel up to it. This involves light activity to promote blood flow, such as walking around the house, standing, short walks, etc.
• Keep the head slightly elevated at a 30 – 45 degree angle, even while sleeping. Sleeping in a recliner can be ideal. This not only helps decrease swelling, but also helps promote proper drainage.
• Use cold compresses to enhance comfort, but do not put extra pressure on the nose.
• Avoid medications that may thin the blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, unless Dr. Goldberg advises otherwise. Take all medications as prescribed.
• Don’t touch or bump the nose. Avoid blowing your nose or wearing glasses during the recovery process.
• Keep your nasal splint dry. Dr. Goldberg will advise you on how to shower without getting your nasal splint wet.
• Choose easy-to-chew meals to minimize facial movement while your nose heals.

What’s a Typical Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline?

First Few Days Post-Op

After your rhinoplasty procedure, you’ll spend some time in the recovery area for a brief monitoring period as you awaken from the anesthesia. Most patients are able to go home on the same day, accompanied by a friend or loved one. During the first few days, it’s normal to experience:

• Swelling and bruising, especially around the eyes
• Mild to moderate discomfort, often managed with pain medications
• Congestion and nasal stuffiness due to internal swelling
• A splint or cast on the nose to support and protect its new shape

First Week After Surgery

During the first week after rhinoplasty, the healing process will be well underway. Effective tips to facilitate your recovery include:

• Keeping your head elevated, even while sleeping. This helps reduce swelling and can accelerate the recovery process.
• Avoiding blowing your nose. Forcefully blowing your nose can disrupt the delicate positioning of the nasal framework before healing is complete.
• Using cold compresses to reduce swelling and improve comfort.
• Getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous activity. We often recommend enlisting help around the house during this period so you can recover without the burdens of household responsibilities, pick-ups and drop-offs, child supervision, etc.
• Most patients return for a follow-up appointment around 5–7 days post-op to have their splint removed and to assess early healing.

Week Two – Week Four

By the second week, visible improvements to the nose are usually evident. Patients often feel much better and resume work and their daily routine, with the exception of exercise and any strenuous activities. At this time,

• Swelling and bruising typically begin to subside
• Makeup can often be applied to help camouflage any lingering discoloration

That said, the nose will still feel firm or “numb” in certain areas, and subtle swelling can persist — especially at the tip of the nose. Residual swelling can take up to one year to fully resolve, but men and women typically realize the final outcome of their facial plastic surgery after about six months.

Healing in the Long-Term

Rhinoplasty results take time to fully develop, so some patience will be required while swelling continues to gradually resolve. It’s important to keep in mind:

• Most visible swelling resolves within 4–6 weeks
• Subtle refinements and tissue settling can continue for up to one year or more
• Avoiding trauma to the nose during this period is crucial, including contact sports or heavy eyeglasses resting on the nasal bridge
• Follow-up visits with Dr. Goldberg are essential to monitor your progress and ensure the best possible outcome.

Diet After the Rhinoplasty Procedure

Your post-operative diet can play a significant role in the overall success of your recovery. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet and staying hydrated are effective measures to support healing, reduce inflammation, and speed up the recovery process. In general, it’s best to stick to antioxidant-rich, low-sodium foods that have protein, such as:

• Soft foods, including mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, yogurt, lukewarm soups, and steamed vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables like berries, carrots, kale, pineapple, kiwi, and sweet potatoes
• Watermelons and cucumbers
• Water and tea
• Soft turkey, fish, pulled-apart chicken

The key is to choose foods that are low in salt, fat, added sugar, and processed foods. We strongly advise avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol, which can both impair the recovery process.

Dr. Neal Goldberg is committed to answering all of your questions and concerns about the rhinoplasty recovery process so you’re able to make an informed, educated decision about whether to pursue the procedure. Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Goldberg today to book an initial consultation or to learn more.