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One of the first questions patients ask me is not about the surgery itself, but about what comes after. How long will I be swollen? When can I go back to work? When will I see the result? Knowing what to expect makes recovery calmer, and it also helps you plan your trip if you are coming from abroad.
Every nose and every patient heals a little differently, so the timeline below is a general guide. Your own instructions after surgery always come first.
The first days: rest and protection
In the first two to three days, swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes are at their peak. This is normal. A splint protects the new shape of the nose, and soft nasal packing supports the inside. Breathing through the nose is limited during this period, so you will mostly breathe through your mouth.
- Sleep with your head elevated on two or three pillows.
- Use cold compresses around the eyes (not on the splint) as advised.
- Avoid bending forward, lifting heavy objects and blowing your nose.
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed.
Day 7: splint and packing removal
Around day 7, the splint and nasal packing are removed. For many patients this is the moment they see their new nose for the first time. It will still look swollen, especially at the tip, and that is expected. This is also why I recommend that international patients plan a 7-day stay in Türkiye: once the splint is removed and the check-up is done, you can fly home.
Weeks 2 to 6: getting back to normal
Visible bruising usually disappears during this period, and most of the obvious swelling goes down. You will feel more like yourself every week. Some stiffness and numbness at the tip of the nose are normal and improve gradually.
- Light walking is encouraged; strenuous exercise and contact sports should wait until you are cleared.
- Glasses should not rest directly on the nose for some weeks; ask about the right timing for you.
- Protect your nose from direct sun and from bumps.
Months 3 to 12: the final shape appears
The remaining swelling, mostly at the tip, fades slowly over months. The nose gradually becomes more defined, and the final result typically settles over about a year. Patience during this phase is important: the nose you see at one month is not yet the final nose.
What this means if you are travelling
- Before you travelWe meet in an online video consultation and agree on a personal plan.
- In Türkiye (about 7 days)Examination, surgery at Lüleburgaz Özel Medikent Hospital, recovery and splint removal.
- Back homeFollow-up continues online, and you can share photos of your progress at any time.
If you are considering rhinoplasty, the best first step is a conversation. In the video consultation we talk about your goals, your breathing and what is realistic for your anatomy, before you make any travel plans.
Cet article est fourni à titre d’information générale et ne remplace pas un examen.