When Can I Resume Normal Activities After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery can boost your self-esteem and reduce functional issues that make it difficult to breathe through your nose. But if you want great results from nose reshaping, it's important to follow any post-operative instructions provided by our experienced female surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa. This includes waiting 1 – 2 weeks to resume normal activities.

So, what does rhinoplasty recovery involve? And what kind of activities should you avoid during this time? The DeRosa Center can review what to expect during a consultation in Boston, MA. Call now for a rhinoplasty appointment and see how we can improve your chances of success.

Almost immediately after rhinoplasty surgery

Patients are placed under IV sedation or general anesthesia during their nose reshaping procedure. You may feel disoriented when you first wake up, but this is a normal and expected part of the process. A responsible family member should drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night after rhinoplasty surgery. Patients should spend most of their time resting and taking medications as directed.

One week after rhinoplasty surgery

Cool compresses and inflammatory medications can reduce uncomfortable side effects associated with rhinoplasty surgery, including swelling and bruising around the nose and in the under-eye area. You may also experience some bleeding and congestion. These side effects peak during the first week of surgery and gradually improve with time.

The surgical site will be very tender during the first week of rhinoplasty recovery in Boston, MA. Patients must avoid any activities that place unnecessary pressure on the nose, such as blowing the nose, pressing down on the surgical site, or even wearing glasses. Though light walks around the house are encouraged, exercise should be avoided.

Two weeks after rhinoplasty surgery

Most patients at The DeRosa Center feel well enough to return to work and other normal routines at around the two-week mark. However, this timeline varies based on the extent of the surgery and what kind of job you perform.

For example, someone who works from home or has a desk job may return to work sooner than a person who works in construction or landscaping. Our female surgeon Dr. DeRosa can create a specific timeline for your rhinoplasty recovery.

Patients can participate in the following activities two weeks after rhinoplasty surgery:

• Short walks
• Light household chores
• Driving (if you feel comfortable and are not taking pain medication)

Two to four weeks after rhinoplasty surgery

The results of your rhinoplasty surgery should be visible once the swelling has gone down. This process can take several weeks up to one year. While it is safe to resume exercise after four weeks, we still advise patients to avoid activities that increase their risk of injury or trauma, such as contact sports.

Get a custom timeline for rhinoplasty recovery

Rhinoplasty recovery does involve some investment in terms of time and patience. However, most people feel their final results are well worth the effort. If you are considering nose reshaping surgery in Boston, MA, call to meet with our female plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa. The DeRosa Center can provide all the information and resources you need to make a fully informed decision about your care.