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Recovery timeline

Recovery after rhinoplasty: swelling, bruising and the final result

After rhinoplasty most bruising fades within two weeks, the splint comes off at about a week and exercise returns at six weeks, but the nose keeps settling for up to three months and subtle swelling can last longer.

Last checked: 2026-10-03

Key facts

At a glance.

  • Packs

    Internal packs are usually removed the morning after surgery, according to a Cambridge leaflet.

  • External splint

    Comes off after one week.

  • Bruising and blockage

    ENT UK gives one to two weeks for bruising and swelling and 10 to 14 days for blockage.

  • Work, sport, flying

    One to two weeks off work, no sport for six weeks, and no flying for two weeks.

  • Final result

    Up to three months for the nose to settle; revision surgery happens in 5 to 10% of cases per ENT UK.

How the recovery unfolds

Bruising around the eyes and swelling of the nose peak in the first days and fade over a couple of weeks, but the nose is still changing long after others stop noticing. Patience is part of the recovery, and an early look in the mirror is rarely a good guide to the final shape.

Figures here come from ENT UK and Cambridge University Hospitals. Your own surgeon may give different instructions, particularly if septal work or grafts were involved.

Phases at a glance

Typical ranges from the sources named below. They vary between hospitals and people, and your surgeon's instructions override this table.
PhaseWhat is normalWhat to do
Day 0-1Blocked nose, some oozing; packs removed the morning after if used; most go home the same or next day.Rest with head raised; do not blow your nose.
Week 1Bruising and swelling; external splint stays on for a week.Keep the splint dry; sneeze with mouth open; no nose blowing.
Weeks 1-2Splint off; bruising fading; blockage lasting 10 to 14 days.Return to work after one to two weeks; no flying for two weeks.
Weeks 2-6Swelling gradually reducing, especially in the tip.No sport or exercise until six weeks; protect from knocks.
Weeks 6-12Nose settling and breathing normalising.Return to sport if cleared; follow-up review.
Up to 3 months+Shape and breathing continue to refine; fine swelling may linger.Discuss any concerns at review before considering revision.

Pain, bruising and nasal care

Discomfort is usually described as pressure and blockage rather than severe pain. Cambridge advises not blowing your nose for about a week to avoid bleeding, and sneezing with the mouth open. ENT UK notes bleeding can occur within 6 to 8 hours of surgery or 5 to 10 days afterwards, so know who to call.

Cold compresses around the eyes (not on the nose itself) and sleeping with the head raised can help bruising and swelling. Follow your team's advice about cleaning inside the nose.

Work, driving and flying

ENT UK suggests a minimum of one to two weeks off work and Cambridge advises two. Avoid driving until you have recovered from the anaesthetic and can see and turn your head comfortably, and while taking drowsy painkillers. Cambridge advises not flying for two weeks.

Glasses should not rest on the nose for some weeks unless your surgeon has told you how to support them.

Exercise and sport

ENT UK and Cambridge both say no sport for six weeks. Contact sport and anything with a risk of a knock to the nose may need to wait longer, as a blow can displace the bones before they are fully healed.

Follow-up

Expect a visit to remove the splint at about one week and a later review, often at several weeks or months. Be cautious about judging the result too soon. ENT UK says some patients request more surgery, and that revision is needed in 5 to 10% of cases, which is best discussed at a review once the swelling has settled.

Red flags

  • Increasing blockage and soreness, or green smelly discharge: infection is possible, so seek advice promptly.

  • Bleeding that does not stop with pressure: A&E or 999.

  • High fever, severe headache or neck stiffness.

  • A sudden change in shape after a knock.

Frequently asked

Questions people ask.

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most.

  • When does the splint come off?

    Cambridge says the external splint is removed after one week, and internal packs the morning after surgery.

  • How long does bruising last?

    ENT UK gives one to two weeks for bruising and swelling.

  • How long will my nose be blocked?

    ENT UK says about 10 to 14 days of blockage.

  • When can I go back to work?

    ENT UK says one to two weeks at a minimum; Cambridge says two weeks.

  • When can I exercise?

    Both sources advise six weeks without sport or exercise.

  • When can I fly?

    Cambridge says avoid flying for two weeks.

  • When will I see the final result?

    Up to three months for the nose to settle according to ENT UK and Cambridge, with subtle changes possible beyond that.

  • What if I am not happy?

    ENT UK says some patients request more surgery and revision is needed in 5 to 10%. Wait until swelling has settled and discuss it at review.

  • Can I wear glasses?

    Ask your surgeon. Pressure on the nose may need to be avoided while it heals.

Where this comes from

Sources and checking.

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP or consultant knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or come with red-flag features, seek urgent medical care. Figures and availability change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the provider.

Published 2026-10-03, next review 2027-10-03.

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