Patients can expect to have moderate discomfort to mild pain after rhinoplasty surgery. During rhinoplasty recovery, patients will wear a nose splint and will experience bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes. Expect bruising and swelling to begin to subside after a few days. Once the bandages and splint are removed, the nose will look normal, but patients may experience some tenderness around the nose, and will still have swelling. Any discomfort or pain can be appropriately managed with medication. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least the first four weeks of rhinoplasty recovery to allow for sufficient healing. While most people are comfortable with the appearance of their nose and can return to work after three to five days, it can take up to a full year for all swelling to subside and for the nose to gain its new contour and softness.