Rhinoplasty Swelling – How long does it last?

How Long Does Swelling Last After Rhinoplasty?

More commonly referred to as a nose job, Rhinoplasty can lead to dramatic changes in a person's appearance, as well as addressing concerns around breathing and the function of the nose. 

As with many procedures, swelling is a normal part of rhinoplasty recovery and you should expect some swelling after Rhinoplasty surgery. The amount of swelling that you experience will depend on the extent of the surgery that you have had. Although there are obvious results early on, there are Rhinoplasty swelling stages that people will experience after the surgery. While Rhinoplasty swelling is perfectly normal, we’re going to explore this in a little more detail. By the end, we hope that you will have an understanding of the Rhinoplasty swelling timeline as well as steps that you can take to help yourself recover following your surgery. 

What Swelling And Bruising Can You Expect After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty Tip Swelling

It is normal for the tip of your nose to be swollen and be the area of the nose that takes the longest to settle down and show definition. This is because it is a very sensitive part of the nose and is more exposed. You may notice that the swelling in this area gets worse before it gets better, which can be quite frustrating, but your surgeon will reassure you that it is part of the process and your final results will show within 3 months. During your initial consultation your surgeon will discuss tip swelling after Rhinoplasty as part of your journey and what you can expect. 

Why Does Rhinoplasty Swelling Occur?

There are two types of rhinoplasty swelling that occur. These both have different causes and last for differing amounts of time. The first rhinoplasty swelling is the result of the immediate trauma of the procedure. This type of swelling is usually accompanied by bruising which may appear under the eyes, on the cheeks, or above the top lip.  

The second type of nose job swelling that is experienced is as a result of fluid retention. During the procedure, cartilage and bones are disturbed and grafts are used to reshape the nose. When this has been done, the skin is then draped over the newly shaped nose and has to graft itself to the new structure. This causes fluid to be retained underneath the skin and above the cartilage as part of the natural healing process. 

You should expect similar levels of swelling regardles of rhinoplasty techniuqe, although it is possible you will experience slightly less swelling if an ultrasonic rhinoplasty is performed. 

Rhinoplasty Swelling Timeline

It is important to remember that every patient and every Rhinoplasty procedure are unique so certain factors may affect rhinoplasty swelling and how long it lasts. This could be the extent of the procedure or even down to the thickness of a patient’s skin: thicker skin will usually swell more and take longer to recover - this is common in male patients for example. There is a general timeline you can expect from your rhinoplasty swelling and rhinoplasty tip swelling stages:  

How to Reduce Swelling After Rhinoplasty?

Men and women aware of the Rhinoplasty recovery timeline often want to know how to help swelling after Rhinoplasty. There are several steps that you can follow to calm the swelling, but you cannot rid yourself of it completely, as it is an important part of your body’s natural healing process. Some techniques you can include in your Rhinoplasty aftercare:  

• Using a cold compress, especially during the first 3 days following surgery  
• Keeping your head elevated, even during sleep - you may find it most comfortable to sleep propped up on some pillows 
• Get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal  
• Ensure you have a healthy diet and stay hydrated - nutrients aid the healing process  
• Avoid heat - this will increase the amount of swelling and may irritate your nose. 

Your surgeon will provide a comprehensive recovery plan for you to follow. It is vital you follow these instructions to get your desired results and avoid any complications. If you would like to book a consultation with one of our consultant surgeons to discuss rhinoplasty surgery and how it could benefit you, please contact our patient advisors, who will match you with the best surgeon for your concerns.