A Guide to Rhinoplasty Swelling Stages: Week by Week & Month by Month

Whether you’re seeking surgery to enhance the appearance of the nasal tip or bridge or to improve breathing by correcting a deviated septum, rhinoplasty can boost quality of life by increasing confidence and helping functionality. In each case, the swelling after rhinoplasty resolves in stages before you’ll see the final results.

Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos

Timeline of Swelling Stages After Rhinoplasty

Being patient with swelling after rhinoplasty will make your recovery more tolerable. Healing takes time, and each person’s recovery experience after a nose job is unique. You’ll notice the swelling gradually fade at whatever rate your body naturally permits, but we’ve created a general timeline of what to expect at each stage of post-op healing.

Swelling after rhinoplasty is most common in the nasal tip, the nasal bridge, and the areas of the face surrounding the nose. Swelling may worsen before getting better, so don’t be alarmed if you have more swelling a few days following rhinoplasty than immediately after your surgery.

Asian Rhinoplasty and Swelling

While the general swelling timeline applies to all rhinoplasty patients, those undergoing Asian rhinoplasty may experience some differences:

• Asian patients often have thicker nasal skin, which can lead to prolonged swelling, particularly at the nasal tip.
• The recovery process may take longer, with final results potentially taking up to 18 months to fully manifest.

First Week

Be prepared for significant swelling for the first few days after your rhinoplasty. You may experience tenderness and discomfort during this period. Some difficulty breathing is usual during the first few days after your nose job, but it will improve as the swelling dissipates.

During the first week after your rhinoplasty or septoplasty, your nose may appear puffy, and you’ll likely have bruising around your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Within 5 to 7 days after your surgery, Dr. Chow removes your cast, splint, and stitches. At this stage, your nose will appear swollen. Do not be alarmed. It will look nothing like the ultimate result.

Stacking plenty of pillows and sleeping in a nearly upright position improves blood flow from your nose and reduces swelling and inflammation.

Second Week

Swelling reduces significantly by the second week after your surgery. It may not seem like it because the changes are gradual. Patients often feel comfortable going out in public again 2 weeks after surgery by covering any residual bruising with concealer. Most patients with jobs that aren’t physically demanding can return to work within 7 to 10 days.

Weeks 3 to 4

Even though swelling may seem very noticeable to you, you should experience a dramatic reduction in swelling by week 4. Bruising and other signs of surgery should be virtually gone by now.

Around this time, patients often feel excited about their results as the new shape becomes more visible. It’s normal, however, to still have some noticeable swelling at this point if the skin on your nose is thick.

2 to 6 Months

Changes occur even more gradually during the ensuing months. The nasal bone structure becomes stronger, meaning you can return to more strenuous activities. By month 6, most swelling should be gone, along with any numbness or tingling you may have felt up to this point. If you do have some swelling, it will likely be in the nasal tip.  

12 Months

After about a year, you should be able to see the ultimate outcome of your rhinoplasty surgery. You may have minimal swelling until up to 18 months after your surgery, but any changes after the 12-month mark will be subtle. Repositioned and reshaped cartilage should be settled by this point, and your nasal bridge and tip should be noticeably refined.

Managing Your Swelling

Rhinoplasty patients often ask if there are supplements to reduce swelling after rhinoplasty and what to eat. Supplements that manage swelling include vitamins C and A, zinc, bromelain, and arnica montana. Avoiding salty foods and staying hydrated also reduce swelling.

Get the Nose of Your Dreams

If you’re considering rhinoplasty, request a consultation with Dr. Chow using the online form or call us at (415) 441-1888. We can discuss your concerns and goals so you get the results you want.