Rhinoplasty recovery, week by week
Timings are typical, not guaranteed. Healing varies with skin thickness, the extent of surgery, and whether it is a first or revision operation.
- Day 0
Surgery day
Operation under general anaesthesia. You wake with an external splint and may have soft internal splints. Most patients go home the same day or the next morning with a companion.
- Days 1–3
Peak swelling
Swelling and bruising around the eyes peak. Keep your head raised, use cold compresses around (not on) the nose, and take medicines as prescribed. Breathing through the nose is limited.
- Day 7
Splint off
The splint and any internal splints are removed at the clinic. The nose looks swollen and turned up — this is normal. Most people return to desk work around now.
- Week 2
Bruising fades
Most bruising has gone and can be covered with make-up. Social activities resume. Avoid glasses resting on the bridge.
- Weeks 3–6
Back to routine
Light exercise from about 3 weeks; full gym from about 6 weeks. About 70–80% of swelling has settled, but the tip still feels firm.
- Month 3
Shape emerging
The profile is much clearer. Contact sports and glasses are usually allowed. The tip continues to refine slowly.
- Months 12–18
Final result
The last tip swelling resolves — later with thick skin or revision surgery. Final photographs are taken at this stage.
Looking after your nose
- Sleep with your head raised on two pillows for the first 1–2 weeks
- Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks; sneeze with your mouth open
- Keep the splint dry
- Avoid glasses resting on the bridge for about 6 weeks, or tape them to the forehead
- Avoid sun on the nose and use SPF for several months
- No smoking or vaping — it slows healing and increases complications
When to call the clinic
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure after 15 minutes
- Fever, increasing pain or redness
- Sudden swelling on one side
- Clear fluid from the nose
Call +971 50 919 8203 at any time. In an emergency, call 999.
Risks and possible complications
Like any surgery, rhinoplasty carries risks. They are explained in detail at consultation and in writing before you consent.
- Swelling and bruising, which can take months to settle completely, especially at the tip
- Bleeding and nosebleeds, usually in the first days
- Infection
- Temporary or, rarely, lasting numbness of the nasal tip or upper teeth
- Asymmetry or an outcome that differs from what was planned
- Breathing difficulty, or a septal perforation (a hole in the septum)
- Visible or palpable irregularities, and scarring (open approach: a small scar across the columella)
- Risks of anaesthesia
- Need for further (revision) surgery — reported in roughly 5–15% of rhinoplasties
Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Smoking, some medications and certain medical conditions increase risk.
Medically reviewed by Dr Sanjay Parashar · October 2026
Every nose is planned individually.
A consultation starts with your face, your breathing and what you want to change.