What to Expect after Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)?

By Dr. Eric Li

• General anesthesia can sometimes cause generalized body soreness and fatigue for a couple of days.
• Maximum discomfort will occur in the first few days after surgery and gradually improve.
• You will not be allowed to engage in any significant exercise (e.g. running, lifting weights) for 3 weeks.
• You will need to use nasal rinses to clear congestion and ice-packs after surgery to decrease swelling.
• You will wear a splint over your nose for 1 week.
• You may experience temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, or a burning sensation involving your nose; bruising and swelling takes several weeks to improve; numbness takes a couple months to normalize.
• Scars may be red and firm for approximately 6 months before they soften and fade.