Is rhinoplasty recovery painful?

When someone is considering rhinoplasty, fear of pain is almost always one of the first concerns. That is understandable: for many years, nose surgery recovery was associated with uncomfortable packing, sleepless nights and weeks of bruising.

The good news is that modern rhinoplasty has changed a great deal. In this article we explain what you really feel after surgery, how discomfort is controlled and what you can do to have a smooth recovery.

During the surgery you feel nothing: rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes between one and a half and two and a half hours. In most cases you go home the same day, usually one to one and a half hours after surgery, on your own feet.

After surgery, the short answer is no: rhinoplasty is not usually a painful surgery. Patients mainly describe discomfort, a feeling of a heavy or congested nose, rather than intense pain. As a rule, paracetamol is enough to control that discomfort.

Much of the suffering associated with rhinoplasty came from old techniques that no longer make sense today. At Clínica do Nariz e Face, Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira uses an approach designed for patient comfort:

• You breathe through your nose from the end of the surgery. The traditional packing that blocked the nose for days is not used.
• Soft silicone tubes, when needed, keep the airway open. They are well tolerated and are comfortably removed at the first consultation, between day 7 and day 10.
• Less bruising. With the current anaesthetic and surgical technique, bruising around the eyes is uncommon. It is more likely over the age of 40 or in a revision rhinoplasty.
• More precise techniques, such as ultrasonic rhinoplasty, which better preserves the tissues and results in a more comfortable recovery.

• A congested, heavy nose, especially in the first few days, because of internal swelling.
• Small amounts of blood loss in the first few days, which are common and insignificant.
• Crusts and small clots at the entrance of the nose, which resolve with the recommended cleaning.
• A slightly numb nasal tip or front teeth, a sensation that disappears over the first month.
• Occasionally blocked ears, which passes with time.

Severe pain that does not ease with the prescribed medication is not expected. In that case you should contact the clinic.

• Ice on the face several times a day for the first five days.
• Sleep with your head raised, between 30 and 40 degrees.
• Keep the nose clean, following the rinsing instructions you receive. A nose without crusts breathes better and bothers you less.
• Take the prescribed medication.
• Avoid exertion, heat and very hot, spicy or salty food, which increase swelling.
• Do not smoke and, if you sneeze, do it with your mouth open.

The discomfort is greatest in the first few days and clearly decreases over the first week. 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. Read more about returning to work after rhinoplasty. Moderate exercise returns after about two weeks and intense exercise after the first month.

To see the full evolution, stage by stage, read our guide Rhinoplasty recovery: what to expect week by week.

Will I need strong painkillers?

As a rule, no. In the vast majority of cases the patient only needs paracetamol.

Will I leave with packing in my nose?

No. You breathe through your nose from the end of the surgery. When needed, small soft silicone tubes are used, which are removed at the first consultation.

Does removing the splint and the tubes hurt?

No. It is done at the first post-operative consultation, between day 7 and day 10, and is quick and comfortable.

Does a revision rhinoplasty hurt more?

The discomfort is similar, but recovery may be a little slower and bruising a little more likely.

Every case is different, and the best way to know what your recovery will be like is to talk to the surgeon. At Clínica do Nariz e Face you can have your consultation at our rhinoplasty in Porto or rhinoplasty in Bragapractice, and 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 instructions for your case are always those you receive from your surgeon.