The recovery timeline and the level of care needed can vary depending on the type of rhinoplasty you had (cosmetic, functional, or reconstructive), the complexity of the procedure, and your individual healing response

Immediately After Surgery (First Few Days)

- The most noticeable effects right after surgery are swelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes. This is especially common with cosmetic rhinoplasty, where changes to the nasal structure are more dramatic. 

- Swelling is expected to peak within the first 48-72 hours. You may feel stuffy due to swelling and any internal splints or packing inside the nose. Some surgeons use nasal packing or splints to support the nose as it heals.

- Pain levels vary, but most people experience mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter medications. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.

- A splint will likely be placed on your nose to help support the new shape. You may also have gauze dressings inside the nostrils to help absorb any drainage.  

In the first 48 hours, keep your head elevated (use extra pillows). This helps reduce swelling and promotes healing. Using cold compresses around the eyes and nose to minimize swelling and bruising. Avoid putting pressure directly on the nose. Avoid Blowing Your Nose. Blowing your nose can disrupt healing and increase the risk of bleeding. If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open to prevent pressure on the nasal passages. 

The First Week of Recovery. 
During the first week, your face will still likely be swollen, bruised, and sensitive. The degree of swelling and bruising will vary, with most people experiencing significant improvement by the end of the first week.  Swelling will peak within the first 2-3 days but should start to reduce by the end of the first week. Bruising may be quite noticeable, especially around the eyes. These symptoms typically improve within 7-10 days. You may gently clean around the nose and any incisions with a saline solution. Avoid any aggressive rubbing or cleaning inside your nostrils. After week most of the swelling will be gone, especially around the eyes. However, there may still be mild swelling that is not immediately visible.    

- You can return to work, school, or light activities, but avoid any intense physical exertion (like heavy exercise or sports) for at least 3-4 weeks. These activities can increase swelling or risk injuring the nose while it is still healing.     

- Be very careful not to bump or apply pressure to the nose. You may want to avoid wearing glasses for a while, especially if the surgery involved altering the bridge of the nose.        

- The final results usually become fully apparent after about 1 year. While the majority of the swelling will have resolved within the first few months, minor swelling especially at the nasal tipcan persist for up to a year.The bone and cartilage in the nose will have fully healed and stabilized, and the shape will be permanent unless influenced by any trauma or significant changes in your health (like significant weight loss or gain).