If you’re planning a rhinoplasty, you may wonder how soon you can return to your daily routine and feel confident showing off your transformation in public.
Dr. A. J. Khalil, a renowned board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA, is widely recognized for exceptional results and personal connections with his patients.
He believes that patient education is crucially important for optimal outcomes — and understanding when you can return to social activities is an integral part of that. Read on to learn about the timeline for recovery and when you can expect to feel and look like yourself again.
What to Expect in the First Two Weeks
Most rhinoplasty recovery happens in the first two weeks, so most patients avoid social activities during this time.
During this period, it’s common to experience the following symptoms around the nose and eyes:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
Dr. Khalil and our team provide personalized rhinoplasty recovery recommendations, such as sleeping with your head elevated to deter swelling and promote healing.
Over these two weeks, you’ll typically notice gradual improvements, with discoloration fading steadily. However, some residual swelling may persist.
Remember that while you’ll see initial improvements soon after surgery, full results take time — and the wait is worth it!
Returning to Social Activities After Rhinoplasty
Many patients return to social activities after the first two weeks of recovery. Although you might still have some mild bruising and swelling, you can generally apply makeup with a light touch (but wait for Dr. Khalil’s go-ahead before you do so!)
Remember that even if your nose looks fully recovered, it’s still healing inside. That means avoiding social activities where your nose could get bumped or jostled around is important. So, skip events like crowded concerts and sporting events until Dr. Khalil gives you the go-ahead for full activities.
We recommend starting with low-pressure activities with small groups where you can control your environment. If you’re outdoors, remember to apply sunscreen gently.
Long-Term Recovery Insights
While much of the healing occurs in the first few weeks, it can take up to a year for swelling to resolve fully and for the results to stabilize after rhinoplasty. During this time, you’ll notice gradual small changes as your nose settles into its new shape.
You can ensure the best possible rhinoplasty results by following Dr. Khalil’s recovery guidelines and attending follow-up appointments.
Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills
If you’re ready to boost your confidence and love your nose, call our office at 310-385-8601 in Beverly Hills, CA, to schedule your rhinoplasty consultation.