What Is the Recovery From Rhinoplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, What’s the recovery time for a rhinoplasty? How soon could I return to work and look somewhat “normal”

A: The recovery time for a rhinoplasty is usually no more than 10 to 14 days at worst. This is not the total time that it takes for the nose to achieve its final shape, as that takes months, but until it really looks ‘non-surgical’. I have seen some patients who actually look pretty good when the tapes and splint is removed at one week but it would be safe to use the time period of 10 days for returning to work, etc. Normal is defined when one can walk around in public and not look like they have had surgery. Often the key determinant is when the bruising under the eyes will go away provided that one has had nasal bone osteotomies as part of their rhinoplasty. For those rhinoplasties in which the nasal bones do not need to be manipulated, the recovery in appearance is sooner.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana