Recovery from rhinoplasty surgery happens in stages.
The external splint comes off around day seven, and most bruising and swelling around the eyes fade within 10 to 14 days. Many patients take one to two weeks off work, longer for physically demanding jobs.
Light walking starts within days, while lifting, running, hot yoga, and cycling usually wait three to four weeks, and contact sports wait six to eight weeks. Glasses cannot rest on the bridge for roughly four to six weeks after bone work.
By the one month mark you look presentable to almost everyone, but you will still notice tip swelling yourself. The nose keeps refining for 12 to 18 months, sometimes two years for thick skin or revision rhinoplasty. Sleeping elevated, cold compresses in the first 48 hours, salt water rinses, and avoiding sun on healing skin all speed things along.
