Rhinoplasty, or nose job surgery, is typically performed with general anesthesia. As you wake up after surgery, the first side effects you will likely experience are those related to the use of anesthesia. These include nausea and grogginess. Expect to remain in bed for at least a day or two due to these after-effects of anesthesia.
During the initial recovery period, side effects experienced by most rhinoplasty patients include tenderness and soreness. Your nose will feel uncomfortable, particularly if it has been packed with gauze, which tends to create a feeling of pressure inside the nose. Your nose may be stuffy, causing you to breathe only through your mouth for the first few days of recovery.
Swelling and bleeding are two other common side effects after rhinoplasty. Redness and bruising may extend into the eye area, giving you the appearance of “black eyes.” This look may last up to two weeks after surgery. Many patients find swelling to be the longest-lasting side effect of rhinoplasty. Some residual swelling can remain for up to two months following nose job surgery.
Other potential side effects include skin numbness or thin red lines on the surface of the nose caused by burst blood vessels. Both of these side effects are typically only temporary, but may occasionally be permanent.
To alleviate these side effects and make your recovery process as comfortable as possible, be sure to follow your surgeon's post-surgery instructions. Avoid bumping your nose, which can exacerbate many of these side effects. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, keep your head elevated, and use ice or cold compresses, if recommended to do so by your doctor.
