What Can I Expect Right After My Surgery?

Posted on January 5, 2017 in Rhinoplasty

Congratulations! You’ve decided to get your nose reconstructive surgery! You can certainly expect long-term satisfaction. You’ll discover that you might have a newfound level of self-confidence. When preparing to go out, you’ll most likely discover you’re spending less time trying to figure out ways to minimalize the visual dissatisfaction you’ve experienced with your nose. You’ll feel like a new person! These effects are all positive and worth it, but what happens shortly after your surgery? Here’s what you can expect and a sample timeline for you to follow.

Immediately After Your Surgery

You will have sutures, bandages and a cast on the bridge of your nose. These should be removed throughout the week after the procedure. You will have some bruising and swelling. It’s a good idea to apply cold compresses to help minimize swelling and reduce pain. You will need to take some painkillers and drink plenty of fluids. Expect to rest, possibly keep your head elevated and keep your head relatively still for the first few days after your surgery.

Approximately A Week After Your Surgery

About 80% of your swelling and almost all of your bruising should be gone at this point. Most patients feel comfortable going out in public at this time, but there are restrictions of your normal exercise routine. If you had rhinoplasty surgery because you experienced difficulty in breathing, you should be enjoying the positive effects of breathing better already at this point!

Up To 9 Months After Surgery And Beyond

There is a small portion of swelling that will remain for months after your surgery. This swelling is not very noticeable. It will very gradually diminish the remaining 10-20% of the swelling. Many patients are fearful that they will do something to harm their results. The good news is that there aren’t too many things you can do to harm your results. Go ahead and touch your nose as usual and resume your normal activity.

Dr. Evan Ransom cares about your long and short-term results from your rhinoplasty. He will work with you during your recovery period so you can enjoy the positive results of your nose job as quickly and painlessly as possible. Keep in mind that every patient has his or her own unique recovery journey. Allow this timeline to give you a general idea of what to expect after your surgery.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Evan Ransom

Dr. Ransom

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.