Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline: What to Expect from Week 1 to a Year

The first few days after rhinoplasty are all about rest and protection. Swelling and bruising typically peak within the first 72 hours, with most patients experiencing tenderness, facial pressure, and nasal congestion. A splint is usually placed over the nose to provide support, and patients are advised not to touch or disturb the area. Bruising around the eyes and cheeks is common during this stage, but it’s part of the normal healing response.

Discomfort is generally manageable with prescription or over-the-counter pain medications. It’s important to keep your head elevated—especially while sleeping—and to avoid any physical strain. Applying cold compresses (around, not directly on, the nose) during this early recovery phase can help minimize swelling and ease pressure. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely is key to setting a solid foundation for the rest of your recovery.

By days four through seven, swelling and bruising are typically at their most noticeable levels. The initial peak of inflammation from the nose surgery begins to plateau, and while you might still feel congestion and pressure, some early signs of improvement may start to appear. The nasal splint is usually still in place during this time, offering structural support and protecting the nose from accidental bumps.

It’s important to continue avoiding any physical strain and to stick to light activities like short walks. Pain should be significantly reduced, though the area will still be tender to the touch. Many rhinoplasty patients begin to notice that the discoloration around the eyes is fading, but the nose itself can remain swollen and puffy. Staying consistent with cold compresses (around the nose) and keeping your head elevated will continue to help reduce swelling and speed up recovery.

By the end of the first week, many patients begin to feel more like themselves. Swelling and bruising, while still present, have usually started to subside. The nasal splint is typically removed around day seven, giving patients the first glimpse of their reshaped nose—though it’s important to remember that this is far from the final result.

During this time, most people feel ready to return to work or school, especially if their job doesn’t involve physical exertion. Activities like walking are encouraged, but anything strenuous should still be avoided. While some residual bruising may remain, makeup can often help conceal it, allowing for a more confident return to social life.

2-3 weeks after surgery, visible swelling and bruising continue to improve significantly. Many patients feel comfortable returning to normal social activities without drawing attention to their recent cosmetic surgery. By this stage, about 70–80% of the initial swelling has typically subsided, allowing the new shape of the nose to begin emerging.

While you’ll likely still have some mild puffiness—especially at the nasal tip—it’s usually only noticeable to you. Light physical activity, like walking, remains beneficial, but strenuous workouts and heavy lifting should still be avoided. It’s also a good time to start planning for any upcoming social events or professional engagements, as your appearance will be closer to normal.

By the one-month mark, most patients feel significantly more comfortable and are eager to resume normal routines—including exercise. During this period, the majority of visible swelling has resolved, and the nose begins to settle into its refined shape. While normal daily activities are generally safe, patients should still ease into physical exertion gradually.

Low-impact workouts like brisk walking or stationary cycling can typically be resumed after four weeks. However, strenuous cardio, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercises should still be approached with caution. It’s important to listen to your body and consult your surgeon before reintroducing intense workouts. Even if you feel fully recovered, internal healing is still ongoing, and overexertion can delay progress or increase swelling.

Three- to six months after surgery, the majority of the healing is complete and the results of your rhinoplasty become much more refined. Most swelling—especially in the bridge of the nose—has resolved by now, although minor puffiness may persist around the nasal tip, which is the slowest area to heal.

Subtle changes in contour and definition can continue to emerge during this phase, and any lingering numbness or stiffness in the nose typically improves. While it’s safe to resume most physical activities, it’s still advisable to avoid contact sports or anything that could risk trauma to the nose. At this stage, patients often report feeling confident with their new appearance, even as final refinements are still taking shape.

Although most of the visible healing is complete by six months, subtle refinements continue to take place well into the first year. This is especially true for patients with thicker skin or those who underwent more complex surgical adjustments. The nasal tip, which holds onto swelling the longest, gradually becomes more defined and natural-looking.

By the one-year mark, the final results are usually fully realized. The nose should feel normal in terms of sensation and function, and its new shape will have settled permanently. While it takes patience to reach this point, the long-term payoff is a balanced, refined, and natural-looking result that reflects your surgical goals.