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What to Expect 3 Weeks After Rhinoplasty

Whether for functionality or aesthetics, rhinoplasty can help patients achieve a nose best suited to their facial features. After the 2-3 hour procedure, patients begin the healing process. Before your treatment, ask Dr. Holley about your healing process and your requirements for a quick and comfortable recovery.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, adjusts your nose’s shape, size, or contour for cosmetic or functional purposes. Rhinoplasty can involve changing the nose’s size, sculpting the tip’s shape, removing a hump, decreasing the size of the nostrils, and adjusting the bridge of the nose.

At West Michigan Plastic Surgery, we allow patients to see what their new noses will look like prior to surgery through our Vectra 3D photo analysis. There are four types of rhinoplasties provided at West Michigan Plastic Surgery: closed, open, functional, and cosmetic.

Real Results

*Individual Results May Vary

How Long is Recovery from Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty recovery varies from person to person. Depending on the type of procedure, you can expect up to three weeks of downtime. Most patients’ recovery follows this schedule:

Day 1

At West Michigan Plastic Surgery, we recommend having someone help you with your recovery. Make sure to get plenty of rest and keep an ice pack and pain medication nearby. You will likely feel sore and have some bruising. You may eat soft foods if you feel comfortable, but always keep your head elevated.

Day 2-7

Pain, swelling, and bruising will gradually improve. Bandages and nasal splints are typically removed between days five and seven.

Week 2

Most people start feeling well enough to return to everyday life between the second and third week after treatment. Recovery from open rhinoplasties may take longer. With Dr. Holley’s approval, you may resume wearing glasses for 30-minute periods.

Week 3-4

Most people can return to their daily lives around this time, along with some strenuous activities. Please remember that exercising will cause your nose to swell again. The most important part of your healing during this time is to protect your nose from injury.

6 Months – 1 Year

Swelling will be less noticeable, and you can fully return to normal life. You should continue making efforts to protect your nose from trauma. Most patients see all remaining swelling dissipate and their final results after approximately one year.

Consultations Available Now

Take the first step. Get your questions answered by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff for an in-person consultation. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.

What Not To Do Immediately After Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty recovery can be a long process, but some activities can make it take longer. We do not recommend laying on your back, wearing glasses, smoking, or drinking alcohol at the beginning of the healing process. These activities can affect your blood flow and affect swelling and healing.

Furthermore, we do not recommend blowing your nose, which can disrupt the healing process, or applying makeup, which could cause an infection. Before your surgery, please talk to Dr. Holley to learn about the “do not’s” of rhinoplasty.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

Dr. Holley was very attentive to my concerns. His approach showed how much he cared about my outcome and my comfort. He has a fabulous staff who I look forward to seeing during my office calls.*

Dr. Holley is an amazing surgeon! I could not be more pleased with my surgery. Dr. Holley did an amazing job and I would highly recommend him to everyone. Dr. Holley is very caring, supportive, has excellent bedside manners, and just an all around awesome physician.*

I felt like Dr. Holley listened to me. I had heard many great things about Dr. Holley that had to do with plastic surgery for many due to accidents and dog bites. His staff made me feel comfortable.*

Take the Next Step

Would you like to learn more about rhinoplasty? Simply fill out the form on this page or call West Michigan Plastic Surgery at (269) 222-1611 to schedule your appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Holley. Proudly serving Kalamazoo and the greater Southwest Michigan area.

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