Nose Job Recovery Time: What You Need to Know About Rhinoplasty

If you’re planning a surgical nose job in Montreal, you’re likely wondering how long recovery will take and what to expect during the healing process. 

Whether you’re considering primary rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty, or a more  functional rhinoplasty  known as septorhinoplasty, understanding the rhinoplasty recovery timeline is essential to achieving great results—and peace of mind.

This guide walks you through every step, from day one to the long-term healing stages, including practical tips, potential complications, and what your facial plastic surgeon wants you to know.

Before Nose Job Surgery: Consultation, Instructions, and Preparation

Recovery actually begins before the rhinoplasty procedure. Your first step will be a consultation with a plastic surgeon to review your facial features, nose shape, nasal passages, and goals—whether cosmetic, functional, or both.

Depending on your anatomy and goals, your procedure could involve closed rhinoplasty or open rhinoplasty. You’ll also discuss anesthesia, expected recovery time, and surgical techniques.

Before the procedure, your instructions may include:

• Stopping certain medications that increase bleeding risk
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Organizing a comfortable place of rest for post-op
• Stocking your home with soft foods and cold compresses
• Arranging transportation and support from a family member or friend

Preparing ahead of time is one of the most helpful tips for minimizing stress and optimizing results.

The First 24 Hours: Splint, Nose Cast, and Early Care

Immediately after your rhinoplasty surgery, you’ll have a nose cast or nasal splint to protect the new shape and structure. Internal splints or nasal packing may also be used, depending on the rhinoplasty approach. Swelling and facial discomfort will peak during this time, but pain is usually manageable with medication prescribed by your surgeon.

You may feel groggy or tired from the general anesthesia, and nasal congestion is very common. While it may feel like a bad cold, it’s just part of the normal healing response.

Post-op instructions for the first 24 hours include

• Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling
• Use cold compresses on your cheeks (not the nose)
• Take all medications on time
• Get plenty of rest 
• Do not touch or bump your nose cast or splint
• Avoid hot showers, bending over, or lifting anything heavy

This initial rest period is critical to reduce complications and give your body time to begin the healing process for a full recovery.

Week 1: Swelling, Discomfort, and Nose Cast Removal

During the first week, the discomfort begins to ease, though swelling and bruising remain visible, especially around the eyes and cheeks. Breathing may still feel blocked due to internal swelling and congestion.

By the end of this week, you’ll likely return to the clinic for your follow-up appointment. This is when the nose cast and external splint are usually removed, and you’ll get your first look at the new nose. While still swollen, you’ll begin to see changes in shape and profile.

Here’s what you can expect during week one

• Swelling and facial bruising
• Nasal congestion and dry mouth from breathing through your mouth
• Some pressure or discomfort in the face or nasal tip
• Splint and cast removal around days 6–8
• Avoid blowing your nose or wearing glasses

Open rhinoplasty patients may also notice a small external scar under the nostrils. This incision typically fades with proper care.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Time: 2-4 Weeks After Surgery 

By the second week, most people feel well enough to return to work or school. Swelling begins to subside more noticeably, and bruising fades. If you wear glasses, you’ll need to continue taping them to your forehead or using special supports to avoid pressure on the nasal bridge.

Helpful recovery tips for rhinoplasty patients for weeks 2–4:

• Avoid sun exposure and always wear sunscreen
• Sleep on your back to avoid shifting your nose
• Refrain from contact sports, intense workouts, or anything that increases heart rate
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions for scar massage or ointments
• Use a humidifier to ease dryness and congestion

The improvement in appearance and comfort can be quite encouraging, but it’s still important to be patient. Your nose is far from fully healed.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline: 2 to 6 Months After Surgery 

 

By the second month after nose reshaping, most swelling has resolved, and the nasal tip begins to refine. Breathing typically returns to normal, and you’ll start seeing more natural contours in the nasal bridge, tip, and nostrils. 

If you had structural work done on the cartilage or bone as part of your surgical rhinoplasty, this is when your final shape starts to emerge.

Patients who had a revision rhinoplasty may notice a slightly slower healing timeline, especially if scar tissue was involved. That’s normal and expected.

Typical experiences during months 2–6 include

• Noticeable refinement in nasal shape and profile
• Improved breathing (especially in septorhinoplasty patients)
• Decreased internal swelling
• Increased confidence in appearance
• Return to moderate and eventually full physical activity

Even though your rhinoplasty results are becoming more visible, keep attending follow-up visits to ensure everything is healing correctly.

Long-Term Healing and Final Rhinoplasty Results

It can take up to a full year after surgery—or longer—for the final results of your rhinoplasty procedure to fully settle. The nasal tip, in particular, is one of the slowest areas to heal due to its delicate cartilage and soft tissue. During this time, internal scar tissue continues to soften, and residual swelling slowly fades.

Your surgeon will monitor progress and may suggest minor adjustments in skincare, splinting, or external scar care. As long as you follow instructions and attend your follow-ups, your results will continue to improve.

To support long-term recovery after your rhinoplasty procedure 

• Avoid trauma to the nose for at least a year
• Continue wearing SPF on your nose daily
• Be cautious with glasses or headgear
• Avoid unnecessary revision rhinoplasty unless recommended by your surgeon
• Communicate any concerns with your provider early

If your rhinoplasty included correction of functional concerns, such as breathing issues or deviated septum repair, these improvements should be long-lasting and noticeably enhance quality of life.

Plastic Surgery Complications: What to Watch For and When to Call Your Surgeon

Most rhinoplasty patients heal well without complications. That said, every surgical procedure carries risk. It’s important to recognize early signs of trouble and notify your plastic surgeon right away.

Potential complications during your rhinoplasty recovery period  may include:

• Persistent or increasing facial swelling
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus)
• Severe pain not controlled with medication
• Difficulty breathing beyond initial congestion
• Unusual nose shape, asymmetry, or collapse
• Excess scar tissue or thickening inside the nostrils

With proper instructions during your rhinoplasty recovery process, routine follow-up, and a trusted surgeon, these risks can be managed or avoided altogether.

To learn more about the nose job recovery process we invite you to book a rhinoplasty consultation  at Clinique-K at our locations in Westmount and Longueuil.