When you’re considering a rhinoplasty to reshape your nose, you may wonder how long recovery will take. This surgical procedure, also called a nose job, can offer subtle changes and better balance to add harmony to your facial features. You will need some time to heal from rhinoplasty, but you can boost recovery with the expert tips we’ll share below. 

What Is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty describes a surgery that enhances facial appearance by adjusting the size and shape of the nose. This procedure can offer both cosmetic and functional results, addressing anything from a large dorsal hump to breathing problems. 

Depending on your goals, you may need an open or closed rhinoplasty, which can affect recovery time. Most patients need an open (external) rhinoplasty, in which your surgeon makes a small incision under your nose, giving them access to the entire structure. For minor changes involving the nose tip, you may be eligible for a closed rhinoplasty, which involves no external incisions and can heal faster.

What to Expect After Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills

After your rhinoplasty surgery at our Beverly Hills office, you will go to a recovery area until anesthesia effects have worn off. Depending on your procedure, you may have gauze in your nose (nasal packing) after surgery to offer support and stop bleeding. 

Dr. Golshani will check in on you, and our staff will ensure you understand your aftercare instructions. Then, you can head home with your designated driver. 

Once home, you can expect some swelling and bruising in the first few days. Take this time to rest in bed with your head elevated higher than your chest, which can help ease swelling and discomfort. Your nose may feel stuffy, but this is normal and expected. 

Pain Management After Rhinoplasty

Most people report very little pain after a rhinoplasty, but Dr. Golshani can suggest pain relieving medications if needed. Often, over-the-counter options like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can easily dull mild discomfort after this procedure. 

As an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Golshani uses expert techniques to minimize post-operative pain, and you will be able to contact him after surgery with any questions or concerns.

Tips for Faster Recovery After Rhinoplasty

After your rhinoplasty, following all aftercare instructions carefully will help your recovery go faster. These include avoiding anything that puts pressure on your nose. To prevent nasal pressure, follow these tips for the first several weeks:

• Don’t blow your nose. 
• Avoid lying face-down.
• Sneeze and cough with your mouth open.
• Keep your head elevated, especially during sleep.
• Take baths instead of showers until any bandages are removed.
• Stick to light activity versus heavy cardio.
• Don’t lift anything heavy.
• Try not to smile or laugh.
• Avoid straining with bowel movements.
• Brush your teeth gently.
• Wear clothes you can button or zip up to avoid pulling shirts over your head.
• Use cheek rests for eyeglasses so they don’t rest on your nose.
• Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on your face every day.

Recovery Timeline After Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills: How Long to Rest

In your first week after a nose job, it’s important to rest at home and avoid strenuous activity. For example, you can walk around the house to go to the bathroom and make yourself something to eat, but you should avoid vigorous exercise or activities. Most patients go back to work after about a week unless their job involves heavy physical work.

After two weeks, you can ease into more vigorous activity. Swelling will continue to resolve, and you’ll start to see your new nose shape emerge. By this point, bruising should have faded, and surgery results will get more and more visible.

At about three or four weeks, almost all swelling should disappear, and you can get back to heavier exercise you’d like. Six weeks after surgery, the structure of your new nose will have more stability. At this point, you can blow your nose if needed, and wearing glasses may feel more comfortable.

Up to a year, any lingering sensations or mild swelling should disappear, and around a year, your nose will be completely healed, and your results fully visible.

The Best Rhinoplasty Recovery Support in Beverly Hills

When setting yourself up for surgical success, choosing the right surgeon makes a huge difference. With over 25 years of experience, Daniel Golshani, MD, FACS, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, has received international recognition for his surgical techniques and exceptional results. 

Not only does Dr. Golshani offer innovative surgical techniques, but he also stays available to his patients through every step of recovery. Patients travel from around the world to benefit from his holistic approach and personalized treatments.  If you feel ready to take the next step toward facial transformation, call us at (310) 274-3481 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today!