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It is not unusual to have swelling and perhaps bruising, depending on the type of surgery. It may take about seven to 10 days for bruising to resolve. Swelling may not fully resolve for several weeks. Elevating your head when sleeping or resting, applying ice, and use of over-the-counter or herbal medications and supplements may assist in the relief of these symptoms.
You should not blow your nose for at least one week after surgery or as directed by your surgeon in order to promote healing and limit trauma to nasal structures.
You should expect some nasal drainage for the first few days. If you experience bleeding or drainage that does not resolve, you should contact your surgeon.
Contact sports may not be permitted for several weeks or months. Any sports that involve the risk of injury, trauma, or strenuous activity should not be resumed until cleared by the surgeon.
You should discuss when to return to work with your surgeon. You should limit heavy lifting and exposure to dusty/smoky environments.
Congestion may take weeks to fully resolve. This will improve as swelling decreases.
Complications that may occur after rhinoplasty include bleeding, infection, persistent numbness, persistent change in smell or taste, abnormal scarring, nasal asymmetry, persistent nasal obstruction.
A low percentage of patients have additional surgery or procedures, but this varies greatly, and you should have this conversation with your surgeon.
Source
Ishii LE, Tollefson TT, Basura GJ, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017; 156(2_suppl):s1-s30.
The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.
Copyright 2023. American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation