The coloration improves over the first week or two, and the noticeable swelling continues to decrease over several weeks time. Minor swelling can persist for several months. Packing and sutures are removed during the first week. Many people can return to work after a week to ten days, but full activity is usually avoided for a few weeks. Normal use of glasses may need to be avoided as the swelling decreases.
Many people undergo successful and satisfying rhinoplasty surgery every year.
As with any other surgery, however, the patient needs to be informed of the risks involved. Risks of rhinoplasty include bleeding, infections, reactions to anesthesia, numbness of the skin, difficulty breathing, unsatisfactory contour, and need for revision surgery. Medical conditions and treatments, smoking, use of aspirin or other anticoagulants, nasal injuries and surgeries, difficulty breathing, allergies, and chronic use of nasal sprays are important to discuss during the consultation to minimize the risks of such problems. The healing effects of rhinoplasty are gradual, and it generally takes up to one year to see the final effects of the surgery. In most instances the results are permanent, except for the normal changes that occur with aging.