New York City Nose Job - Nose Surgery
Central Park Plastic Surgery^SM · New York · New York City · Manhattan · E-mail · 212.496.6600

After your surgery
After surgery-particularly during the first twenty-four hours-your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day.

You'll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. In any case, you'll feel a lot better than you look. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so. (Some subtle swelling-unnoticeable to anyone but you and your surgeon-will remain for several months.)

A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Your surgeon will probably ask you not to blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal.

If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you'll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one or, occasionally, two weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.

A splint made of tape and an overlay
of plastic, metal, or plaster is applied
to help the bone and cartilage of the
nose maintain their new shape.

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Rhinoplasty Patient Information  
Highlights:Preparing for Surgery
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-Operative Care
Activity Restrictions
Recovery Time
Resuming Normal Activities

Pre-operative Instructions  
Post-operative Instructions  
FAQs on Rhinoplasty
FAQs on Recovery From Plastic Surgery
Surgery of the Nose Illustrations