Most people ask themselves, “How long do rhinoplasty results last?” As with any surgical procedure, your resulting nose will age like the rest of your face. Fat loss occurs in the face every decade, and this causes a thin corner of skin over the skeleton. These operative changes are permanent, but may not be enough to prevent the nose from changing shape. In addition, your skin’s texture will also change, revealing unseen tissues.
Post-operative swelling is normal, though you can expect a bit of it to linger. About 90% of it resolves within four to six weeks after surgery. By twelve to fourteen months, the majority of swelling will disappear. Swelling can hide your final results, so waiting until it goes away is the most frustrating part of the recovery process. In general, swelling and bruising will disappear with time.
Post-operative swelling is normal after a rhinoplasty procedure, and you should expect to experience some discomfort. The first few weeks after rhinoplasty are the most painful. After the procedure, you will have some bruising and numbness. If you’re concerned about the amount of swelling you will experience, talk to your plastic surgeon about the length of time you should expect it to last.
A normal rhinoplasty recovery period typically lasts around seven to ten days. The length of time varies, and the degree of cosmetic changes may take longer. Dr. Portuese, a facial plastic surgeon can provide you with a more detailed timeline during your consultation. Once your swelling and inflammation have gone down, you can resume your regular activities. A full recovery period can take anywhere from two to four weeks. You should take at least a week off from work after rhinoplasty. Your nose will look more like its natural look within a week.
One of the biggest risks of rhinoplasty is nasal congestion. You will experience some congestion following the procedure, which can last anywhere from a couple of weeks. To help reduce your risk of this complication, your doctor may recommend using a saline nasal spray or an ice pack to relieve the congestion. Avoid blowing your nose, as this may damage the delicate tissues of your nose and slow recovery time.
After rhinoplasty, you will most likely spend a night in the recovery room. Your doctor may give you an antibiotic or steroid injections to reduce swelling. You should keep your head elevated at night for at least the first two weeks. This will prevent additional swelling and bruising. Also, make sure you avoid bumping or hitting your new nose. You may also want to use a recliner to elevate your head. If you tend to toss and turn, a travel pillow or rolled up towels will work well.
After rhinoplasty surgery, you’ll probably have a small scar on the inside and outside of your nose. It will be a little difficult to see after a couple of months. In most cases, your nose will settle in within a year or two, and you should no longer have any significant pain. However, a small horizontal scar is not a desirable look, and some patients may opt to have a closed incision.