This can range from mild to severe, and can last from a week to a month. Some swelling, especially around the eyes, is common, but it usually resolves itself in a week or two. Often it takes half a year or more to feel fully healed. In some cases, the surgeon may insert a tube into the nose to allow nasal passages to maintain their width during healing. This may stay in for many months after surgery.
Some people have difficulty swallowing from the breathing tube inserted during surgery.
Poor cosmetic results are unfortunately too common, and some women require additional surgery for correction. Common problems include uneven results, too much or too little reduction, uneven nostrils, calcification that forms a hump at the bridge. Mucus buildup is a problem for some after nostrils have been altered. Runny noses or plugged up noses might happen more. You might find yourself sniffing a lot more than before.