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How Long Will My Nose Be Swollen After Rhinoplasty?

By: Dr. Christopher Khorsandi

6/14/2021

When you take your first look in the mirror after rhinoplasty, it may not be quite what you expected. Don’t panic! Postoperative swelling is a normal and expected part of rhinoplasty surgery and can take some time to resolve before your new nose shape becomes apparent. Use this helpful information from the award-winning team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, under the direction of acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, to better understand what to expect during rhinoplasty recovery, how long your swelling may last, and what results are possible for you.

How does rhinoplasty work?

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is performed using general anesthesia and typically takes about 1 – 3 hours to complete, depending on the nature and extent of the procedure. Using a number of advanced techniques, Dr. Khorsandi performs rhinoplasty surgery with exceptional precision and attention to detail in order to achieve the most pleasing result possible, both aesthetically and functionally. Based on your concerns, goals, personal history, and nasal anatomy, Dr. Khorsandi may recommend one of the following types of rhinoplasty surgery:

Common concerns and issues that are addressed with rhinoplasty in Las Vegas include:

  • Nose size
  • Width of nose
  • Nostril size
  • Asymmetric nose
  • Crooked nose
  • Bump or hump in nose
  • Deviated septum
  • Difficulty breathing through nose
  • Previously botched nose job

How long is rhinoplasty recovery?

Rhinoplasty recovery details can vary based on the type of procedure performed, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. On average, patients can expect to return to work about 1 – 2 weeks after rhinoplasty, though strenuous exercise and other activities will be restricted for several additional weeks or even months. These may include exercising, blowing your nose, wearing glasses, submerging your head underwater, and others. Most rhinoplasty patients feel fully recovered about 2 – 3 months after surgery, by which time the majority of swelling, bruising, and discomfort will have resolved.

When will rhinoplasty swelling go down?

It would be ideal to wake up from rhinoplasty and immediately see your newly enhanced nose, but it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations and understand that postoperative swelling and bruising are unavoidable. Fortunately, a great deal of rhinoplasty swelling will subside within just 2 – 3 weeks. By about two months after surgery, virtually all swelling will have resolved. While the nose may continue to undergo subtle changes for about 6 – 12 months after rhinoplasty as the tissues heal completely, these are usually not perceptible to others.

Soften your look and feel more confident than ever with rhinoplasty in Las Vegas, NV

Rhinoplasty surgery can be a life-changing experience for patients who are unhappy with the form, function, or another aspect of their nose. While postsurgical swelling is impossible to avoid, the final results of rhinoplasty are worth the short wait! If you are interested in learning more about what rhinoplasty can do for your appearance, comfort, and confidence, call VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV to schedule your private consultation or virtual appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon and aesthetic expert Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today!

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.