RHINOPLASTY: RECOVERY, DAY BY DAY

Splint off at about a week; bruising for 1 to 2 weeks; presentable at about 10 to 14 days.

Day by day

Day 1 to 3Swelling and bruising peak. Rest with your head raised.
Day 5 to 7Splint and stitches out.
Week 2Most bruising gone; you can go out without it showing much.
Month 1 to 3Swelling keeps going down slowly; worse in the mornings.

Flying home

Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.

Avoid

Blowing your nose for a few weeks
Glasses resting on your nose for 4 to 6 weeks
Hard exercise for 3 to 6 weeks
Sleeping flat

Pack

Extra pillows to sleep with your head raised
Cold packs
Saline nasal spray if your surgeon allows
Button-front tops

Call your clinic or get help if

Heavy nosebleeding
Calf pain or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing blood (possible blood clot): emergency care now.
Fever over 38°C, pus, or a wound that opens.
Sudden swelling and pain on one side.
Pain that gets worse instead of better.

General information from medical sources (Cleveland Clinic, NHS, ASPS, AAD and published studies), not medical advice. Your clinic's own aftercare instructions come first.

Email me this recovery guide

Also send me a few tips for planning my trip (unsubscribe any time)

We use your email to send this guide, and tips only if you tick the box. See our Privacy Policy.

Rhinoplasty: what to expect →What rhinoplasty costs in Seoul →Questions to ask at your consultation →

Frequently asked questions

How long is the recovery after rhinoplasty?: Splint off at about a week; bruising for 1 to 2 weeks; presentable at about 10 to 14 days.
When can I fly home after rhinoplasty?: Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.
What should I avoid after rhinoplasty?: Blowing your nose for a few weeks. Glasses resting on your nose for 4 to 6 weeks. Hard exercise for 3 to 6 weeks. Sleeping flat.
What should I pack for rhinoplasty in Seoul?: Extra pillows to sleep with your head raised, Cold packs, Saline nasal spray if your surgeon allows, Button-front tops.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the recovery after rhinoplasty?

Splint off at about a week; bruising for 1 to 2 weeks; presentable at about 10 to 14 days.

When can I fly home after rhinoplasty?

Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.

What should I avoid after rhinoplasty?

Blowing your nose for a few weeks. Glasses resting on your nose for 4 to 6 weeks. Hard exercise for 3 to 6 weeks. Sleeping flat.

What should I pack for rhinoplasty in Seoul?

Extra pillows to sleep with your head raised, Cold packs, Saline nasal spray if your surgeon allows, Button-front tops.