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Rhinoplasty Aftercare

General recovery guidance for nose surgery (rhinoplasty) based on Waterfront Private Hospital's written aftercare information. This online guide should be used alongside the official leaflet and the specific instructions given to you by your surgical team.

Typical Recovery Time: 2 weeks initial recovery, 6–12 months for final results

When to get help — your traffic light guide

Green

Tell us at your next appointment:

Anything else that is niggling or worrying you — no concern is too small. Mention it at your next appointment, or call us during office hours.

Reviewed 4 July 2026 · v1.0

Your information leaflets

Related Information Leaflets

These are separate information leaflets about the procedure itself — not the aftercare instructions below.

How to Use This Information

The advice below is based on Waterfront Private Hospital's written rhinoplasty aftercare leaflet. It is general guidance for the average patient and may be adapted by your consultant for your individual circumstances.

Always follow the specific instructions given to you on the day of your surgery and in your printed leaflet. If there is ever a difference, follow your consultant's written or verbal instructions and contact us for clarification.

Before You Leave the Hospital

  • Painkillers: Make sure you have your painkillers before you leave — the nurse looking after you will go through them with you.
  • Antibiotic ointment: You will receive antibiotic ointment to apply twice daily to keep incisions moist and prevent infection.
  • Saline spray: A saline nasal spray will be provided to help irrigate your nasal passages gently.
  • Drip pads: Gauge drip pads will be given to absorb blood-tinged drainage. Change as needed.
  • Follow-up appointments: You will be given a card with details of your first appointment (usually around 1 week for cast removal) and contact details for the ward if you have any concerns once you get home.
  • Getting home safely: You must have someone to take you home. Arrange transport in advance.

Understanding Your Nasal Splint

A nasal splint (cast) has been applied to support your nose during initial healing and help shape the bone and cartilage as they heal.

Keep it dry: Avoid getting your splint wet during showers. Your surgical team may provide instructions for protecting it.

Don't adjust it: Do not try to reposition or adjust the splint yourself if it feels loose. Contact us immediately.

Removal timing: The splint will be carefully removed during your week 1 appointment. This is painless and takes just a few minutes.

Your Painkillers

Every medicine you go home with is clearly labelled with its dose and how often to take it, and your nurse will go through your painkillers with you before you leave.

Take them as directed on the label. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can safely be taken together. If your pain isn't controlled despite taking your painkillers as directed, contact us.

Lifestyle Guidelines

✓ DO

  • Sleep with head elevated
  • Use ice packs regularly
  • Take medications on time
  • Eat nutritious foods
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Protect nose from sun
  • Be patient with healing
  • Keep follow-up appointments
  • ✗ AVOID
  • Blowing your nose
  • Wearing glasses on nose
  • Very hot showers or baths in the first week (heat increases swelling; keep the splint dry)
  • Bending over
  • Heavy lifting
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Smoking and alcohol
  • Swimming pools and contact sports

When You Can Resume Activities

  • Wearing glasses — 4 weeks — Use tape or special support
  • Light exercise — 3 weeks — Walking, gentle yoga only
  • Swimming — 4 weeks — Avoid chlorinated pools initially
  • Contact sports — 6–8 weeks — Must protect nose
  • Flying — 1 week — May cause temporary swelling
  • Full exercise — 6 weeks — Start gradually
  • Blowing nose — 2 weeks — Very gently at first

Your Recovery Journey

Remember: Everyone heals differently. This is your guide, but your body sets the pace. Most patients feel much better by week 2 and are happy with results by 6 months.

We're here to support you through recovery. Don't hesitate to contact us with concerns.

Recovery Timeline

What's Normal

  • •Blocked nose (you'll breathe through your mouth)
  • •Swelling and bruising around eyes
  • •Mild pain or discomfort
  • •Blood-tinged drainage
  • •Feeling tired
  • •Dry throat

Your Care Routine

  • •Many patients find it comfortable to keep the head raised — pillows, a wedge, or a recliner all work
  • •Ice packs (20 minutes at a time) are most helpful in the first 2–3 days
  • •Change drip pad under nose as needed
  • •Take pain medication as directed
  • •Use saline spray gently
  • •Apply antibiotic ointment twice daily

Pain Management

  • •Ibuprofen if prescribed
  • •Avoid aspirin

What's Normal

  • •Nose will look swollen after cast removal
  • •Skin may be oily
  • •Some numbness is normal

Your Care Routine

  • •Attend week 1 nurse appointment for cast removal
  • •Stitches will be removed
  • •Gentle cleaning will be performed
  • •First look at your new nose
  • •Continue gentle care instructions

Pain Management

  • •Pain typically minimal by week 1
  • •Discomfort related to cast removal, not surgery
  • •Continue medication as directed

Follow-Up Appointments

Week 1 (around Days 7–10) - Nurse Appointment

Your first post-operative appointment to check healing and remove the protective cast.

  • Cast removal
  • Stitch removal
  • Gentle cleaning of incisions
  • First look at your new nose
  • Assessment of healing progress

Further nurse reviews — as needed

Some patients need further nurse reviews. If so, the nurses will arrange these with you and will discharge you from nurse-led care once they are happy your wounds have healed.

Around 6 months — surgeon review (final follow-up)

Your surgeon will usually see you at around 6 months to assess your final result. Your surgeon is always available to review you sooner if required, and in some circumstances may wish to see you before your final follow-up.

Note: Your appointment schedule may vary. Always follow the specific dates and times given in your appointment card. Contact us if you need to reschedule.

Source: hospital aftercare leaflet · Last reviewed: 4 July 2026 · Version 1.0

Your emotional recovery

How you feel matters too

An emotional dip in the first weeks after surgery is common and usually passes. We've written honestly about what to expect, what helps, and where to find support.

How you might feel after surgery →

Post-Operative Checklist

  • Many patients find it most comfortable to sleep with the head raised — for example on 2–3 pillows, a wedge, or in a recliner — for the first week or so; it helps swelling settle faster
  • Keep nasal splint dry for first week
  • Use saline nasal spray as instructed
  • Avoid blowing nose for 2 weeks
  • Take prescribed antibiotics and medications
  • No glasses on nose for 4 weeks (use tape support if needed)
  • Attend all follow-up appointments
  • Apply antibiotic ointment twice daily to incisions
  • Ice packs help swelling — most helpful in the first 2–3 days

Wound Care Instructions

  • Keep splint and dressings dry for first week
  • Change drip pad under nose as needed
  • Apply antibiotic ointment twice daily
  • After splint removal, gentle cleaning as instructed
  • Do not pick or touch incisions
  • Protect from sun exposure
  • Use saline spray gently for irrigation

Pain Management

  • Take your painkillers as directed on their labels — every medicine you go home with is labelled with its dose and frequency, and your nurse will go through them with you before you leave. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can safely be taken together
  • Take paracetamol every 4–6 hours (maximum 4g daily)
  • Ibuprofen if prescribed by your surgeon
  • Avoid aspirin
  • Mild to moderate discomfort expected in first few days
  • Cold compresses to the eyes help reduce swelling — most helpful in the first 2–3 days
  • Bruising and swelling peak at 48–72 hours
  • Most discomfort resolves within first week

Activity Restrictions

  • No strenuous activity for 6 weeks
  • Avoid bending over or lifting for 2 weeks
  • No blowing nose for 2 weeks
  • Sneeze with mouth open if needed
  • No glasses on nose for 4 weeks
  • Return to work: 1–2 weeks (when splint removed, usually desk jobs)
  • Gentle walking is encouraged from the first days; build up pace from week 2
  • Light exercise at 3 weeks (walking only)
  • Contact sports at 6–8 weeks (with nose protection)

FAQs

Why can't I breathe through my nose?

Swelling inside your nose blocks airflow. This is normal and improves over 2–4 weeks.

How do I sleep comfortably?

Use 2-3 pillows or a wedge pillow. Many patients find a recliner chair helpful for the first week.

When will I look normal?

Most bruising fades in 10–14 days. You'll look presentable for work at 2 weeks. Final results take up to a year.

Can I wear my glasses?

While the splint is on, glasses can rest on it. After splint removal, avoid resting glasses directly on the nose for about 4 weeks — the bones are still setting. Taping glasses to the forehead, cheek-resting supports, or contact lenses all work well. Your surgeon will confirm at follow-up when normal wear is fine; if your surgery didn't involve breaking the bones, they may clear you sooner.

What if I accidentally bump my nose?

Don't panic. If the cast moves or you have severe pain, contact us. Most minor bumps cause no harm.

When can I exercise?

Gentle walking is encouraged from the first days. Build up pace from week 2, gentle exercise at 3 weeks, and full workouts at 6 weeks.

When is the splint removed?

The nasal splint is typically removed 5–7 days after surgery during your first follow-up appointment.

Download Guide

Download Rhinoplasty PDF

PDF, 60 KB

Need Help?

0131 376 3785hello@waterfronthospital.co.uk