We are leaders in cosmetic surgery, facial aesthetics, and medically supervised weight loss, serving the entire San Francisco Bay area. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are coming in from out of town, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on your path to your new self. Book your cosmetic surgery intro call or Med Spa consultation today and take the first step towards realizing the look you’ve always wanted for yourself.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty surgery Recovery Time + Downtime
We see patients for both primary and secondary rhinoplasty. Healing time can vary considerably depending on the extent of the procedure, the surgical technique, and the individual patient. However, the general postoperative course I describe to my patients is as follows: * First 3–5 days: Patients typically have an external nasal splint and may have nasal packing or an internal nasal splint in place, depending on what was done during surgery. * Days 3–5: The packing or internal nasal splint is removed, and the external splint may be changed. Any external sutures are also removed at this time. Some patients will not have external sutures at all. *. Days 7–10: The external nasal splint is removed. The exact timing can vary based on the procedure performed and how the patient is healing. Removal of the splint does not mean the nose is completely healed—swelling, particularly around the tip, can continue to improve for many months.
Clinical Context
The nasal tip often stays swollen longer than the bridge because its skin is thicker and its blood supply is different from the rest of the nose. Cartilage grafts also need time to settle and lose the slight stiffness that can feel like extra fullness. Most visible swelling fades within a few months, though subtle tip changes can continue for up to a year. Following your surgeon's splint and activity instructions helps support smooth healing.
Related Questions
