03 — Recovery

Threehundred andsixty-five.

A typical timeline, from the day of surgery to the final shape of the tip. Every recovery is different — your surgeon's instructions always come first.

  • Day 0

    Surgery

    Home the same day or after one night. Head raised, rest, cold compresses around (not on) the nose.

  • Days 1–3

    Peak swelling

    Congestion and swelling are at their most noticeable. Breathing through the nose may be difficult.

  • Day 7

    Splint off

    The splint and any stitches are usually removed. The nose looks swollen — that is expected.

  • Week 2

    Back in public

    Most visible bruising has faded. Many people return to desk work around here.

  • Weeks 3–6

    Gradual return

    Light exercise first; contact sports and glasses resting on the bridge wait until your surgeon agrees.

  • Month 3

    Settling

    Much of the swelling has gone, particularly along the bridge.

  • Month 12+

    Final shape

    The tip continues to refine for a year or more, especially with thicker skin.

    • A person's portrait in soft light, seen in profile

    03.1 — Patience

    Swelling hides detail. The nose you see at one month is not the nose you will have at one year.

    03.2 — Call the clinic if

    Don't wait.

  • Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
  • Fever, or increasing redness and pain
  • Sudden worsening of breathing
  • Anything that worries you — it is always the right call

    • In an emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in the EU).