Rhinoplasty Recovery: Week by Week
Recovery varies by open vs closed technique and whether osteotomies or grafts were used. This timeline is a general guide — your surgeon’s instructions come first.
Typical timeline
- Days 1–7 — splint/cast, bruising peaks then fades; head elevation; quiet rest
- Week 2 — many return to desk work; residual swelling and numbness common
- Weeks 3–6 — gradual exercise return as cleared; avoid trauma to the nose
- Months 3–12 — refining of tip definition as swelling resolves