If your operation has been planned as a day-case, you will be able to go home once you have made a full recovery from the anaesthesia.
After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
Pain relief
You will experience some pain, swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes immediately after the procedure.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Recovery time
Allow two weeks off of work. You should be able to do normal physical tasks after a couple of days but avoid strenuous exercise or those that may knock your nose for four to six weeks. You may also find that your nose bleeds for a few days after you get home and you might have some pain, although painkillers will help with this.
There will be bruising and swelling, particularly around your eyes, which can take about three weeks to settle. Your nose will feel numb and stiff. The numbness usually disappears within a couple of months, but the stiffness is likely to be permanent and your nose may feel unnaturally hard.
Most closed rhinoplasty operations will take around two weeks to settle but if your nose is broken (as part of a re-shaping process) there will be some bruising around the eyes for longer. Open surgery will usually take four to six weeks to heal.
End results
Most of the improvements will be obvious after swelling has reduced but, because of the way your other facial features affect how your nose looks, some will evolve over the course of time. Your surgeon will discuss end results with you in depth.
How your loved ones can help
Once you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home because you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them to help with shopping and cleaning for a few weeks in case you don't feel up to it.
Looking after you
We’re with you every step of the way through your recovery, even after you’ve left hospital. Our consultants will typically want to see you after your operation to see how you are doing. An appointment will be made with you before you leave hospital.
On rare occasions, complications following surgery can occur. The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns we’re ready to help.
