logo
  • Face
    • Brow Lift
    • Cheek Augmentation
    • Chin Augmentation
    • Ethnic Rhinoplasty
    • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
    • Face Lift
    • Fat Transfer
    • Laser Lift Precision Tx
    • Laser Resurfacing
    • Lip Lift
    • Neck Lift
    • Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
    • Reconstructive Surgery
    • Revision Rhinoplasty
    • Rhinoplasty
    • Scar Revision
    • Sinus Treatments
      • Allergy Immunotherapy
      • Balloon Sinuplasty
      • Nasal, Sinus & Allergy
      • Snoring & Sleep Disorders
    • Smart Lipo Neck
  • Body
    • Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
    • Arm Lift
    • Brazilian Butt Lift
    • Breast Augmentation
    • Breast Lift
    • Breast Reduction
    • Cellulaze
    • Hyperhidrosis Treatment
    • Liposuction
    • Mommy Makeover
    • Smart Lipo – Body
    • Thigh Lift
  • Injectables
    • Belotero
    • Botox®
    • Dermal Fillers
    • Dysport
    • Hand Rejuvenation
    • Jeuveau
    • Juvederm
    • Juvederm Volbella®
    • Juvederm Vollure
    • Juvederm Voluma
    • Kybella
    • Liquid Facelift
    • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
    • Radiesse
    • Restylane
    • Restylane Defyne and Refyne
    • Restylane Lyft
    • Restylane Silk
    • Sculptra
    • Sculptra Butt Lift
  • Med Spa
    • Clear + Brilliant Perméa Laser
    • CoolSculpting (Body)
    • CoolSculpting (Neck)
    • Emsculpt
    • Fraxel Dual Laser
    • Growth Factors Hair Restoration
    • Hair Restoration
    • HydraFacial
    • Isolaz (Acne Laser)
    • Laser Facial
    • Laser Genesis
    • Laser Hair Removal
    • Laser Spider Vein Removal
    • Laser Stretch Mark Removal
    • Laser Treatments
    • Microneedling
    • Peels & Microdermabrasion
    • Secret RF
    • Skin Tightening
    • Vaginal Rejuvenation
    • Problem Areas
      • Acne Scar
      • Face Wrinkles
      • Spider Vein
  • Photos
  • Reviews
    • Online Reviews
  • About
    • Dr. Rubinstein MD
    • Dr. Samuel Beran MD
    • Meet Our Staff
  • Specials
4.88 stars from 1111 reviews
Ran Y. Rubinstein, M.D.
Contact us
Call us

845-863-1772

CALL
EMAIL
  • Face
    • Brow Lift
    • Cheek Augmentation
    • Chin Augmentation
    • Ethnic Rhinoplasty
    • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
    • Face Lift
    • Fat Transfer
    • Laser Lift Precision Tx
    • Laser Resurfacing
    • Lip Lift
    • Neck Lift
    • Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
    • Reconstructive Surgery
    • Revision Rhinoplasty
    • Rhinoplasty
    • Scar Revision
    • Sinus Treatments
      • Allergy Immunotherapy
      • Balloon Sinuplasty
      • Nasal, Sinus & Allergy
      • Snoring & Sleep Disorders
    • Smart Lipo Neck
  • Body
    • Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
    • Arm Lift
    • Brazilian Butt Lift
    • Breast Augmentation
    • Breast Lift
    • Breast Reduction
    • Cellulaze
    • Hyperhidrosis Treatment
    • Liposuction
    • Mommy Makeover
    • Smart Lipo – Body
    • Thigh Lift
  • Injectables
    • Belotero
    • Botox®
    • Dermal Fillers
    • Dysport
    • Hand Rejuvenation
    • Jeuveau
    • Juvederm
    • Juvederm Volbella®
    • Juvederm Vollure
    • Juvederm Voluma
    • Kybella
    • Liquid Facelift
    • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
    • Radiesse
    • Restylane
    • Restylane Defyne and Refyne
    • Restylane Lyft
    • Restylane Silk
    • Sculptra
    • Sculptra Butt Lift
  • Med Spa
    • Clear + Brilliant Perméa Laser
    • CoolSculpting (Body)
    • CoolSculpting (Neck)
    • Emsculpt
    • Fraxel Dual Laser
    • Growth Factors Hair Restoration
    • Hair Restoration
    • HydraFacial
    • Isolaz (Acne Laser)
    • Laser Facial
    • Laser Genesis
    • Laser Hair Removal
    • Laser Spider Vein Removal
    • Laser Stretch Mark Removal
    • Laser Treatments
    • Microneedling
    • Peels & Microdermabrasion
    • Secret RF
    • Skin Tightening
    • Vaginal Rejuvenation
    • Problem Areas
      • Acne Scar
      • Face Wrinkles
      • Spider Vein
  • Photos
  • Reviews
    • Online Reviews
  • About
    • Dr. Rubinstein MD
    • Dr. Samuel Beran MD
    • Meet Our Staff
  • Specials

Rhinoplasty Recovery and Swelling

May 9, 2013 by Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists

The Stages of Swelling after Rhinoplasty

Swelling is an inevitable part of the rhinoplasty recovery process, but it often causes confusion and worry for patients due to its variable nature and tendency to disappear slowly. Though all rhinoplasty procedures result in significant swelling, cases that require the nose to be broken during surgery are especially prone to puffing up. Since swelling often persists for up to a year in normal rhinoplasty patients, let’s take a look at the typical stages of post-op swelling so you know what’s normal–and what isn’t.

Week 1 – Rhinoplasty Swelling

Though one might expect swelling to be most severe at this stage, the splint on the nose prevents excessive swelling to the nose. The patient may see swelling and/or bruising around the nose, but the nose itself is kept still by the splint. Patients are often fearful of packing. Dr. Rubinstein uses gentle techniques in breaking the nasal bones as well as special self dissolving sutures internal sutures to minimize bruising and bleeding. His patients rarely require nasal packing and have very little bruising around the eyes.


Weeks 2-3 – Nose Surgery Swelling

Once the splint is removed, the patient will experience additional swelling in the nasal area, which may obscure the results of the rhinoplasty. Patients should not be worried if the nose doesn’t look perfect yet–there’s still a lot of healing to do after this stage.


Weeks 4-12

Though the nose will look pretty much like the final result at this point, it’s still too early to make hasty criticisms about the final product. There is usually still some swelling present that will slowly fade.


3 Months-1 Year

Though changes in remaining swelling are very subtle, an unhappy patient should wait at least a year before undergoing revision rhinoplasty. Usually, swelling disappears starting at the top of the nose, working its way down. Swelling can persist in the tip for 9-12 months.

Rhinoplasty in New York Rhinoplasty in NY
One week Pre Op
Rhinoplasty in Newburgh NY Rhinoplasty in Newburgh New York
6 weeks Post Op 18 months Post Op

Preventing Swelling

There are several things you can do to keep swelling down after your surgery. Minimizing swelling will make your recovery more comfortable, and allow you to get a better sense of your true results. Here are some tips for preventing swelling:

  • Use cold compresses around (not on) the nose for the first day or two following surgery
  • Ask your surgeon about natural remedies, such as Arnica and Yunnan (a Chinese herb)
  • Keep your head elevated
  • Avoid alcohol for several days before your procedure
  • Limit your salt intake

Need More Information?

Though the rhinoplasty recovery process varies from person to person, your surgeon will provide you with extensive information and advice on your recovery period so you can be well-prepared before you head to the operating room.

Filed Under: Blog, Rhinoplasty Articles

Contact Us

  • By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Specials

Valentine's Day Special

Valentine's Day Special

FRAXEL Winter Special

FRAXEL Winter Special

CoolSculpt/Emsculpt Special

CoolSculpt/Emsculpt Special

Breast Augmentation Special

Breast Augmentation Special

Happy Birthday Special

Happy Birthday Special

Locations

200 Stony Brook Ct
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845) 863-1772
Directions (opens in a new tab)
80 Fort Washington Ave
New York, NY 10032
Directions (opens in a new tab)

Patient Resources

  • Patient Resources
  • Spa Appointment Request
  • Injectables Appointment Request
  • Consultation Information
  • Travel Information
  • Financing
  • Insurance
  • COVID-19 Precautions
  • Careers

Quick links

  • Events
  • SkinMedica Shop (opens in a new tab)
  • Certified Surgical Suite
  • LCSS Rewards Program
  • Brilliant Distinctions Program
  • Featured Patients
  • Media
  • Blog
Plastic Surgery | Newburgh, NY
4.88 stars from 1111 reviews
Instagram (opens in a new tab) Facebook (opens in a new tab) Twitter (opens in a new tab) Pinterest (opens in a new tab)
© 2021 Ran Y. Rubinstein, M.D.. Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, PC.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Sitemap (opens in a new tab)
PHONE: 845-863-1772
(opens in a new tab) Website Design & SEO by Surgeons Advisor
Am I a Coolsculpting Candidate?
  • Receive up to 25% off the purchase of your first treatment

  • By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.