Cosmetic Procedures - Nasal Surgery - After Surgery

After the surgery is completed, dressings are placed on the nose which consist of tapes and a splint. This splint helps hold the tissues in place while healing is occurring as well as protects the nose during sleep and against accidental bumps. Packing of the inside of the nose is almost never done anymore.

After adequately recovering from the anesthesia, the patient is discharged to home with instructions to sleep with the head up on several pillows and limit one's activities. Antibiotics and decongestant prescriptions will be given to take as directed.

Bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes is quite variable but can be expected to be completely gone anywhere from ten to twenty-one days after surgery. Minor residual nasal swelling, however, may persist for several months and the final subtler aspects of the nasal shape may not completely be settled for three to six months after surgery. Any external skin sutures and nasal taping/splint are removed at one week.

Significant complications from rhinoplasty are rare. Bleeding and infection are quite uncommon. The most common complications are subsequent asymmetries in nasal shape and form. Revisional surgery may be needed in up to 10% of rhinoplastic surgery to optimize the result.