Mobile Requset

Request A Consultation

Columbus Ohio Top-Rated Plastic Surgery Center

Logo

The Sullivan Centre

Request Button

Book Now Request A Consultation

Social Icons

Phone

Let's Talk614.436.8888

Menu Button

menu
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Practice
    • Stephen Nogan MD
    • Shireen Shatti CNP
    • Elisabeth Nogan MD
    • Nancy Cotterman RN
    • Fernanda Caldwell
    • Our Team
  • SKIN CARE
    • Prescriptive Facial
    • Dermaplane
    • Hydro Facial Treatment
    • Microdermabrasion
    • Light Chemical Peel
    • Medium Chemical Peel
    • Deep Chemical Peel
    • Microneedling
    • Ultherapy
    • Microblading
    • Waxing
    • VISIA Skin Analysis
  • PERMANENT MAKEUP
  • BOTOX/FILLERS
    • BOTOX in Columbus, Ohio
    • Ultra Plus XC
    • Volbella Lip Filler
    • Vollure Facial Filler
    • Voluma Cheek Filler
    • Kybella
    • Xeomin
  • LASERS
    • CO2RE in Columbus, Ohio
    • Broad Band Light (BBL) in Columbus, Ohio
    • Traditional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
    • V Beam Perfecta
    • High Energy Plasma
  • SURGICAL SOLUTIONS
    • Facelift
    • Mid-Facelift
    • Mini Facelift
    • Brow Lift
    • Upper Eyelid Lift
    • Eyelid Lift Lower
    • Rhinoplasty
    • Nasal Valve Reconstruction
    • Fat Transfer & Fat Injection
    • Facial Implants
    • Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery)
    • Skin Cancer Reconstruction
  • REVIEWS
  • SHOP
    • SkinMedica
    • ZOSkin
    • Colorescience
    • Epionce
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT US
  • BOOK NOW

Rhinoplasty Recovery: What to Expect

I frequently answer questions on the RealSelf platform. Because of my extensive rhinoplasty experience, I believe I can offer a unique perspective to patients who are interested in rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty surgery. However, I am amazed at the number of patient questions about what to expect in the recovery process. Questions like “I am one week out from surgery, is this swelling normal?” And then they attach several pictures.

At first, I was astonished as to why someone would be searching the internet for answers from random physicians they have never met. But honestly, I get it. After surgery, it’s normal to be curious and to put the nose under a microscope. We have an image of what we hope the result will look like so any alteration of that image calls into question the healing process and we are conditioned these days to getting answers to our questions immediately on the internet. But when I read these questions, I can’t help but ask myself, did these patients have adequate pre-operative education and second, why don’t they call their doctor directly or at least the doctor’s office for answers?

Sullivan Centre, Columbus, Ohio, is all about education. We want our patients to know exactly what to expect before, during and after surgery. Lenore, our pre-operative nurse, spends 45 minutes to an hour with each and every rhinoplasty patient 2-3 weeks prior to surgery.  She walks my patients through the experience and sends every patient home with detailed instructions. I also meet with my rhinoplasty patients during this visit to make sure they are properly prepared for their rhinoplasty procedure. After surgery, our recovery nurse reiterates Lenore‘s instructions on what to expect, as well as, any other postoperative instructions. All of my patients have my cell phone number and are encouraged to call with any questions or concerns.

If we have done our jobs correctly, my patients are comfortable and confident with the healing process.  It also makes a difference that I see my rhinoplasty patient several times within the first 6-8 weeks to assess the healing process and quickly respond to any concerns. Revision rhinoplasty patients might need to be seen more frequently.

Most of the questions after rhinoplasty have to do with swelling, which is a natural consequence of any surgical procedure. Swelling typically peaks 5-7 days after surgery and recedes over a 4-6 month period. Revision rhinoplasty patients are advised that it may be a year before most of the swelling resolves. Daily changes are seen initially. Approximately 70% of the swelling disappears within the first 8-10 weeks. It’s the remaining 30% which takes the longest to resolve and it may persist for another four months. Even though the nose looks good at 1-2 weeks, it’s really not possible to get an idea of the final result until all the swelling is completely gone.  Patients always have questions about the tip and unfortunately this is the area where swelling persists the longest.

Other patient concerns might include asymmetries, bumps or crookedness. It is always difficult to assess these changes during the healing process because many times it’s the soft tissue swelling or callous formation around the nasal bones which create these effects. These concerns typically resolve as the swelling goes away.

At six months, healing is nearly complete for most patients. Swelling and scar tissue have receded enough that it’s an appropriate time to assess the result and identify any persistent areas of concern. If any additional surgery is necessary to improve the result, this would be the earliest time it should be considered. The tissue planes will hopefully be more identifiable allowing your surgeon to make the necessary changes to improve the result. Of course, more complicated rhinoplasties involving graphs or implants and revision rhinoplasty patients may take one year to reach this point.

The bottom line when it comes to healing after rhinoplasty is that it takes time and the best information comes from your surgeon or your surgeon’s staff. They are the ones who know your specific case the best. Lastly, don’t sweat the small stuff during the recovery. Our bodies have an amazing way of healing. Most concerns early in the recovery resolve over time.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized

Leave A Review

Strong Testimonials form submission spinner.

Required

What is your full name?
What do you think about us?
rating fields

Contact Us

Request A Consultation
Book Now

Instagram

Something is wrong.
Instagram token error.

columbusfacialplastics

Follow
Load More

Office Hours

Monday
8:30–4:30
Tuesday
8:30–4:30
Wednesday
8:30–4:30
Thursday
8:30–4:30
Friday
8:30–4:00
The Sullivan Centre Logo
The Sullivan Centre
7706 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone: 614.436.8888

Follow Us

The Sullivan Centre
The Sullivan Centre Map and Directions
© 2023 PatientNow | RxMarketing Site Map | TOS/Privacy Policy | Sullivan Centre

Welcome to Columbus Facial Plastics at The Sullivan Centre.

We believe that healthy, youthful renewal begins with science. Founded in 1996 by Dr. Michael and Christine Sullivan, our practice was the first of its kind in central Ohio. For 20+ years, The Sullivan Centre has led the way in advancing the science of beauty and providing only the safest and most effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for our patients.

I met Dr. Mike, Dr. Chris and the rest of the team in 2014 and have had the incredible opportunity to train and collaborate with Dr. Mike for the past five years. I officially joined The Sullivan Centre in September 2019 and could not be more excited to lead this exceptional practice into the future.

My goal is to provide you with the education and expertise needed to help you feel confident with your decision to pursue surgical or non-surgical treatment. I am proud to be a part of a highly skilled team that delivers personalized care so that you feel comfortable through every step of the process.

In addition to practicing exclusively in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, I also serve as the medical director for our non-surgical services. We are fortunate to have two of the most experienced aesthetic providers in central Ohio in their respective fields. Dina Maynard and Nancy Cotterman, RN have been caring for patients at The Sullivan Centre for a combined 25 years! You won’t find anyone with more training or skill.

Spend as much time as you need learning more about our team and the services we provide. We are passionate about what we do, and we would love to see you soon.

Dr. Stephen Nogan M.D.
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Columbus Facial Plastics at The Sullivan Centre