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RHINOPLASTY POST-OP RECOVERY EXPECTATIONS

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Rhinoplasty is performed in our on-site outpatient facility, under heavy sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure is completed in about 1 to 2 hours. You will need someone to drive you home, and assistance for a few days after your procedure.

Initially, you can help minimize swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes by resting with your head elevated and applying cold compresses. Most patients are able to return to light activity, including work, in about a week, with more strenuous activity allowed after swelling and bruising fades at 4 to 6 weeks.

Surgeons and staff of the New York Group for Plastic Surgery are here to support you after your rhinoplasty. The following instructions and guidelines will help your recovery process:

  • During surgery a packing material will be placed in your nostrils. This packing material is a moist gauze that should be removed the next day unless otherwise instructed.
  • You may experience some oozing/slight bleeding from the inside of your nose after surgery. This is normal and you may lightly tape some extra gauze across the bottom of your nose to catch the drippings.
  • There will be a hard plastic splint over your nose with natural color tape under it. Do not remove this tape or splint; it will be removed by your surgeon after 10-14 days.
  • It is not uncommon to see bruising around your eyes. This will disappear with time and you may apply some make-up gently to cover the discoloration.
  • You may shower after 24 hours, but please try not to let the splint get wet. You may wash your hair at this time as well.
  • There will be some mild to moderate discomfort after surgery and you may take your pain medication as needed.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, bending over and physical exercise for 3 weeks to help reduce swelling and prevent additional bruising and bleeding.
  • You MAY NOT blow your nose.

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