Recovery
Patients should expect the recovery from a rhinoplasty to take 1 to 2 weeks. Bruising is expected, but will resolve over the first two weeks. Swelling is also common, the majority of which will diminish over the first several weeks — although some residual swelling may take up to 12 months to completely subside. A nasal splint will have to be worn by patients for the first week. Patients are able to return to work or school in 10 to 14 days after their rhinoplasty. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. Special care must be taken to avoid any accidental trauma to the nose during the initial 6 weeks after surgery (to allow time for solid healing of delicate bony structures). The area above the nasal tip takes the longest to heal, with a gradual decrease in swelling occurring over 3 to 6 months after surgery.