A rhinoplasty can be one of the most impactful cosmetic operations when it comes to reshaping facial features and appearance. There is a reason that rhinoplasties in Toronto are so popular! However, as with any surgical procedure, there is a definite downtime to the procedure, with a few distinct stages of healing. If you’re nervous about the healing process – don’t be. This piece will serve as a guide to the rhinoplasty procedure swelling stages, and the healing process in general.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is any kind of cosmetic surgery used to alter the shape of one’s nose. Rhinoplasties encompass a variety of procedures that can help you restructure your nose. This can include various alterations to the size or shape of your nose, or to particular parts of the nose. For example, wide nose rhinoplasty can be used to, naturally, decrease the width of your nose and give you a narrower nose.
Rhinoplasty starts generally by checking in with your cosmetic surgeon an hour and a half before the procedure. Most kinds of rhinoplasty will last on average no longer than three hours. You may need to spend that much time at the clinic recovering, however. After this, you can get someone to take you home – and then the healing process begins.
Rhinoplasty Swelling Stages
The healing process involves a few distinct rhinoplasty swelling stages. Swelling and bruising are perfectly natural to encounter after a rhinoplasty. The rhinoplasty swelling stages generally progress as follows.
Weeks 1-4: For the first week, you will generally be given a splint to wear, which you can remove at the end of that week. Once it’s removed, your nose will certainly look swollen, and there may be some minor bruising. All of this is perfectly normal – the size of your nose at this time is not the “finished product” – so don’t worry that your wide nose rhinoplasty didn’t go well!
Weeks 4-6: At this point, in most patients, swelling will have gone down considerably, and the nose should more closely resemble its new shape, however it’s still not the final results. In a few patients with particularly thick skin, there still may be some minor swelling, however.
Weeks 6+: By this point, the real definition of the new nose will start to shine through, and you’ll be able to detect even the smallest details of change, such as the new definition in the tip of the nose.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips
Most of what you need for a smooth recovery through the rhinoplasty swelling stages will be provided for you by your cosmetic surgeon. This will include the splint, as well as any bandages you’ll need.
You can also ask your cosmetic surgeon for advice on the use of makeup. For the first couple of weeks out of the surgery, there can be some bruising. How severe this will differ between patients, but proper use of makeup can help cover this up.
If you do feel any pain or discomfort or are worried about how the rhinoplasty recovery process is progressing, don’t hesitate to contact your plastic surgeon. In some cases, some additional adjustments may be needed for the best outcome.
Learn More About Rhinoplasty Recovery
Interested in learning more about rhinoplasty recovery? Want to book a consultation today? If you’re in the Toronto or Newmarket area, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We’re happy to answer all your questions!