After surgery-particularly during the first twenty-four hours-your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed for you. Surprisingly rhinoplasty surgery does not hurt very much and most patients only require a few pain pills. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day.

You'll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. In any case, you'll feel a lot better than you look. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so. Some subtle swelling-unnoticeable to anyone but you and your surgeon-will remain for several months.

A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Dr Lista will ask you not to blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal.

Nasal packing will be removed after a few days and you'll feel much more comfortable. By the end of 10 to 14 days the external splint or cast will be removed.

Most of our rhinoplasty Toronto / Mississauga patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you're entirely up to speed.