How long does rhinoplasty take? Surgery, recovery and final result

“How long does rhinoplasty take?” is one of the most frequent questions at the consultation, and the answer depends on what is being asked: the time of the surgery itself, the days off, the weeks until you can be seen in public or the months until the final result. In this article we answer all of them, with the timeframes we use at Clínica do Nariz e Face for rhinoplasty in Porto.

Rhinoplasty usually takes between one and a half and two and a half hours. A simple rhinoplasty, of the bridge only, is close to the lower limit. A complete septorhinoplasty, which corrects aesthetics and breathing, or a revision rhinoplasty, can take longer.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Preparation and recovery room time are added to the surgical time, so allow half a day at the hospital. In most cases you go home the same day, usually one to one and a half hours after surgery, on your own feet.

Recovery happens in stages. These are the usual timeframes:

• First 2 to 3 days: the most uncomfortable, with a congested, heavy nose. This is the period of ice and keeping the head raised. If you work from home, you can usually work the day after surgery.
• 7 to 10 days: first post-operative consultation, when the splint and the silicone tubes, if any, are removed. From here on most people feel comfortable leaving the house and returning to in-person work and social life.
• 2 weeks: bruising, if any, has gone. You can resume moderate exercise.
• 1 month: you can resume intense exercise. Most of the visible swelling has gone down.
• 3 months: the nose already has a defined shape to outside observers, especially on the bridge.
• 12 months: final result, when the swelling of the tip disappears completely. In a revision rhinoplasty or in thicker skin it can take up to 18 months.

For a detailed description of each stage, read our guide Rhinoplasty recovery: what to expect week by week.

After 10 to 14 days the splint has been removed and the bruising, if any, is no longer noticeable. The nose is still swollen, but only those who know it well will notice. If you have an important event, such as a wedding, it is best to have the surgery at least 2 to 3 months in advance.

• Type of surgery: a revision rhinoplasty or a surgery that includes grafts has a slower recovery.
• Technique: a ultrasonic rhinoplasty and preservation rhinoplasty tend to cause less bruising and a more comfortable recovery.
• Skin thickness: thicker skin takes longer to de-swell, especially at the tip.
• Age: over 40, bruising is a little more likely.
• Post-operative care: ice, keeping the head raised, avoiding exertion, heat and smoking, and doing the nasal rinses make a real difference.

Between the first consultation and the surgery there are usually a few weeks, the time to do the pre-operative tests and find a date in the surgical schedule. There is no advantage in rushing this stage: it is the time to think calmly and clear up all your questions. See what the first rhinoplasty consultation is like.

How many days do I need to take off work?

If you work from home, you can usually work the day after surgery. If your work is in person, in contact with other people, allow about a week at home.

How long do I keep the splint on my nose?

About 7 to 10 days, until the first post-operative consultation.

How long does the swelling take to go down?

Most of the swelling disappears in the first month. The tip of the nose is the last to define and can take up to a year.

When can I wear glasses?

As a rule, after about a month, so as not to put pressure on the nasal bones while they consolidate. The surgeon indicates the right time in your case.

How long does the result last?

For life. The nose continues to age naturally with the rest of the face, but the shape achieved in the surgery is maintained.

At Clínica do Nariz e Face, rhinoplasty is performed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, a specialist in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, dedicated to rhinoplasty. The consultation can take place at the Porto practice or in Braga. See real results in our clinical cases.

Book your consultation or call +351 915 808 584.

This article is for information purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation. The timeframes given are averages and may vary case by case.