At SF Bay Area Plastic Surgery, we're committed to supporting our patients in Mountain View, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, and beyond, from consultation to healing. Understanding the recovery process is crucial to achieving optimal results from your rhinoplasty. In the first few days after your nose surgery, it's normal to experience swelling, bruising around the eyes and nose, and mild discomfort. Our team will provide personalized care instructions to help manage these symptoms effectively. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses can reduce swelling, while prescribed pain medication will alleviate discomfort. Rest is essential during this initial phase to promote healing.
You'll likely have a nasal splint and internal dressings to support your nose as it heals. These are typically removed within the first week during a follow-up appointment at our Mountain View office. During this visit, we'll assess your healing progress, remove any sutures if necessary, and address any concerns you may have. Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities and work within 7 to 10 days, although swelling may persist for a few weeks. To prevent injury to your healing nose, avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and contact sports for at least four to six weeks. Our team will guide you on when it's safe to resume specific activities.
As the weeks and months progress, you'll notice the swelling gradually subsiding, revealing the refined shape of your nose. While significant improvements are visible within a few weeks, the final results of your rhinoplasty may take up to a year to fully manifest as subtle changes continue.
The outcomes of your rhinoplasty are permanent, providing long-lasting enhancements to your appearance and, if applicable, improvements in breathing function. We aim to achieve natural-looking results that harmonize with your facial features, boosting your confidence without obvious signs of surgery.
Remember, everyone's healing process is unique. Our compassionate SF Bay Area Plastic Surgery team is always available to answer your questions and support your recovery. We're dedicated to ensuring your journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible so you can fully embrace the renewed confidence that comes with your refined nose.