After rhinoplasty

The evening of surgery

• Sleep with your head raised on a pillow, on your back if possible. This is the simplest way to reduce swelling.
• A little drainage from the nose and a feeling of pressure at the nasal bridge are normal.
• You breathe through your mouth, so it dries out; take frequent small sips of water.
• Apply cold as your surgeon has instructed; ice is never placed directly on the skin.
• Keep tissues, water and your medication by the bed.

Days 1–3

Swelling and bruising are usually at their most marked on day 2–3, then begin to settle. Judging the shape of the nose during this period is not meaningful.

• Do not blow your nose. If you need to sneeze, do it with your mouth open.
• Brush your upper teeth gently, without moving the nose.
• Keep food and drink warm rather than hot, and soft rather than hard.
• Avoid heavy lifting, bending forward and straining.

Days 4–7: splint and stitches

The splint, and any stitches, are removed on the day your surgeon sets, usually within the first week. When the splint comes off, the nose looks more swollen than it will end up — this is temporary.

Clean inside the nose with saline spray as often as your surgeon has advised. Do not pick at crusts yourself.

Week 2

• Most of the bruising fades; swelling continues.
• Glasses should not rest on the nose — your surgeon will tell you for how long.
• Return to desk work is usually possible around this time.
• Protect the area from the sun; skin after surgery is prone to marking.

Weeks 3–6

• Walking is usually allowed early; running, weights and contact sports begin gradually with your surgeon's permission.
• Swimming, saunas and steam rooms are not recommended in this period.
• Stay away from activities that risk a knock to the nose.

From month 3 to year 1

The last of the swelling, especially at the tip, resolves over months; thicker skin takes longer. Assessing the final result, and discussing revision if needed, happens no earlier than the end of the first year.

Call immediately

The following do not wait. If any of these happen, call the clinic; if you cannot reach us, go to the nearest emergency department:

• Nosebleed that does not stop despite pressure
• High fever, spreading redness, or foul-smelling discharge
• Sudden change in vision or a severe headache
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or one-sided leg pain and swelling
• A rash, or swelling of the lips or tongue, after taking medication

This page is a general guide. **Your surgeon's own instructions take precedence**; your medication, the day your splint or stitches come out, how long before you return to work, and your follow-up dates are planned for you individually and may differ from this page.