How Long Does Rhinoplasty Take to Heal?

Published:

March 24, 2023

If you are contemplating rhinoplasty surgery to improve or correct an issue with your nose, it helps to have all the key facts.

Here is a helpful guide of frequently asked questions when it comes to surgical rhinoplasty. It will cover commonly asked questions about this type of nose job including: how rhinoplasty works, recovery time from rhinoplasty, and information about our Este Medical rhinoplasty treatment in Turkey.

What Is The Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline?

Let’s begin with how long is rhinoplasty recovery. The surgery itself can last a couple of hours, so the body will need time to heal for many weeks post-surgery.

The initial recovery phase after rhinoplasty can last about 7 to 10 days, but if you need to get back to work or have social engagements you can’t miss, then you should be able to get back to business after about 5 to 7 days.

The majority of post-surgery swelling and bruising does tend to subside within a week. Patience and self-care will be required for this time period; in the early stages of recovery avoid vigorous activities, and try not to touch your nose (e.g., avoid blowing your nose, try to mouth sneeze; avoid dusty and smoky places).

The next block of time which is important is about six weeks on from the rhinoplasty nose job surgery; it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for nose tissue to weld back together and become firm and sturdy again.

On average, fully recovering from rhinoplasty can take up to 12 months as the nose settles into its final shape. How long does rhinoplasty take to recover from can vary from person to person, and it will be helped along if you follow the aftercare guidelines and directions given to you by your rhinoplasty surgeon.

How To Sleep After Rhinoplasty?

To help speed up recovery after rhinoplasty you should keep your head elevated and propped up when resting; when sleeping you should prop up your head with pillows to help reduce swelling, and sleeping on your back is strongly recommended for about 4 to 6 weeks following rhinoplasty surgery.

It is also recommended that while reading or texting you keep your head from tilting down, this will help alleviate swelling and sinus pressure.

What Is Rhinoplasty Surgery?

A rhinoplasty nose job can address the shape and size of the nose to either enhance your appearance and/or breathing. This cosmetic procedure will alter the look of your nose — for example, rhinoplasty can change your nose size, improve your facial symmetry, lift the tip of the nose, correct a nose bump or depression on the nose bridge, as well as fix wide or flared nostrils.

If you want to surgically fix how your nose looks (or have breathing issues), then one of our Este Medical Turkey nose job procedures may be beneficial for you. Contact us through our website to arrange a consultation.

‍

How Does Rhinoplasty Work?

Rhinoplasty can be performed in two ways: in a closed procedure the incisions are hidden in the nose; or in an open procedure outside the nose with an incision on the columella (the fleshy part between the nostrils).

Does Rhinoplasty Hurt?

That may depend on your pain threshold along with your post-surgery aftercare and pain management plan. Most people report mild discomfort after rhinoplasty surgery.

In the days just after the procedure you will most likely experience some face swelling, bruising around the nose and eyes, and maybe some minor bleeding.

After rhinoplasty surgery, face and nose tenderness and some aches can be expected, and may be due to congestion or sinus pressure.

You should talk to your rhinoplasty surgeon about pain management options as part of your rhinoplasty aftercare.

How To Recover Faster From Rhinoplasty?

As we mentioned above, taking care while resting and sleeping will help for a speedy recovery from rhinoplasty. Avoid touching or blowing your nose. Don’t bang or bump your nose.

Take the recommended time off work and avoid intense physical tasks. Avoid a direct shower spray on your nose when bathing, be gentle when washing your face and brushing your teeth.

Most importantly, listen to your surgeon’s recovery advice and follow their aftercare plan.

How Long To Recover From Rhinoplasty And Septoplasty?

First of all, rhinoplasty and septoplasty nose jobs differ from each other. Cosmetically, rhinoplasty surgery can help if you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose. If you have breathing issues that impact your ability to sleep, or you snore, then septoplasty will benefit your overall health.

To be more specific, septoplasty surgery focuses on the internal nose structure, specifically the septum (i.e., the cartilage that divides the nostrils) to improve breathing. In some cases, both rhinoplasty and septoplasty will be necessary to correct nasal issues and structural concerns.

As mentioned above, with rhinoplasty you can go back to work in about a week or so, and it will take about six weeks for nose tissue to repair from surgery. Full recovery from rhinoplasty can take up to one year as the nose settles into its final shape.

With septoplasty surgery recovery, getting back to work might take about a week, and you should notice an improvement in your breathing in about 7 to 10 days, as well as less pain in your nose. Depending on how intensive your septoplasty surgery is, your initial recovery may take 6 weeks or more. Within a year you should experience a full recovery and your quality of life will improve.

Top nose surgery tip!

As every nose is unique, and breathing issues can vary from mild to serious, we strongly recommend you book an Este Medical Group rhinoplasty and septoplasty consultation to talk about your respiratory health concerns and your expectations.

Is Rhinoplasty Worth It?

That may depend on if you are addressing your appearance or breathing issues, but in both of these cases nose surgery is worth it if you are unhappy with your looks, or have trouble breathing through your nose (or snore!). Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are two of the most common surgery procedures for the face, and with the proper aftercare, recovery is not that long, plus results are permanent!

Here are examples of how nose surgery can help:

Straighten a crooked nose to improve face symmetry
Decrease your nose size for better face balance
Fix a deviated septum for better breathing
Improved respiratory health and improve sleep quality

‍

Why Choose Este Medical For Nose Surgery In Turkey? 

At Este Medical Group, we understand that having a nose you love is important for your self-confidence and overall respiratory health. Our team of expert plastic surgeons are dedicated to providing personalized care and the best results for our patients. With years of experience, and a record of proven success as the best rhinoplasty clinic in Turkey, we know how to create the perfect look for your nose to enhance your looks.

Discover how to have an Este Medical rhinoplasty procedure in Turkey, from start to finish — take a moment to look at our 3-step process for having rhinoplasty in Istanbul at our industry-leading cosmetic clinic in Turkey.