Rhinoplasty surgery has the power to completely change the look of a person’s face—it can be surprising what a difference it can make. Today, rhinoplasty remains one of the most popular types of plastic surgery on offer. That’s not to say it isn’t a serious surgery that requires a certain amount of recovery.

But how much recovery exactly does it require? If you’re thinking about having your nose done, but would like to know when you’ll be fully healed, this article is for you. Read on for your complete guide to all of the rhinoplasty swelling stages you’re likely to experience in the days and weeks following your procedure.

What Is a Rhinoplasty?

For those who aren’t familiar, a rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves the reconstruction of certain parts of the nose. This could be the bridge, cartilage, septum, nostrils, or any other area.

A rhinoplasty can be elective, meaning that a person chooses to have it done, or it can be necessary for medical purposes. Many people choose to have it done because they’re unhappy with the appearance of their nose. It could also be necessary due to conditions such as a deviated septum or as part of a facial reconstruction following an accident.

What Can You Expect from the Procedure?

Before your surgery, you’ll need to have a meeting with a rhinoplasty doctor. He or she will talk you through your options and let you know about what the best rhinoplasty for you is. If you’d like to set up your own consultation, you can see the doctor for rhinoplasty here.

When undergoing rhinoplasty surgery, you’ll be put under either local or general anesthetic. What happens next will depend on why and how you’re having it done.

There are two ways to perform the surgery: internally or through an incision made on the top of the nose. The procedure will usually be somewhere between 1.5 and 3 hours. During this time, the rhinoplasty surgeon makes adjustments to reshape the nose as needed.

The Rhinoplasty Healing Process

The healing process from your rhinoplasty begins right after your surgery. It’s possible you may be cleared to leave the same day, but usually, patients stay overnight.

It’s likely you’ll feel mild levels of pain for the first 48 to 72 hours after your surgery. Your rhinoplasty doctor may prescribe you medicine to help manage the discomfort.

Normally, patients will wear their bandages for at least 72 hours after surgery. This is to help stem any bleeding and protect your nose, as it will be bruised and sensitive.

Your nose will be swollen at first but will decrease as time goes on. It will likely take at least 2 weeks for the swelling to reduce to levels that are unnoticeable.

Doing things such as resting and icing your nose will help to accelerate the rhinoplasty swelling timeline. After a month or 2, your nose should be back to normal.

Your Rhinoplasty Swelling Stages Guide

Hopefully, this rhinoplasty swelling stages guide has helped you gain an insight into the surgery and what it entails. Before undergoing any procedures, always consult your doctor. For more helpful information and tips, check out the rest of our content now.

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