Once the rhinoplasty is completed, the patient awakens in the recovery room with a splint or cast on the outside of the nose to support and protect the newly shaped structures during healing.  Although many nasal surgeons use packing after surgery, which is very uncomfortable,  Dr. Tobias does not find this necessary.Patients should expect some bruising, swelling and discomfort after surgery, but Dr. Tobias’ patients usually experience minimal difficulties and very little pain. Most patients are able to return to work or school after a week to 10 days and can resume more strenuous activity in about a month. Improved appearance and/or function will be noticeable within days and will continue to improve as swelling goes down. Patients and their families, friends and associates will admire the improved aesthetic results almost immediately, and the results will be even more refined during the coming days and weeks.

Risks of Rhinoplasty

There are risks inherent in any surgical procedure. These include the risk of excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and the risk of postoperative infection. There is also some very minor risk of poor wound healing, postoperative numbness, or dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results of the surgery. Nonetheless, rhinoplasty is an extremely safe and commonly performed procedure. The vast majority of patients recover quickly and completely and are delighted with the results.