Nasal congestion and breathing
Complete congestion is common in the first week. After splint removal there is significant improvement, but full, optimal nasal breathing can be expected after about 3–4 months.
Post-operative
recovery
Congratulations on taking the first step towards your new appearance! After rhinoplasty, the healing process plays a key role in shaping the final result. In the first weeks you should expect some discomfort – such as swelling, nasal congestion or mild pain – but these are completely normal phenomena that gradually improve.
Important facts about the healing process
What patients ask about
most often
Duration of taking Milgamma
It is worth starting one week after surgery and taking it for 3–4 months, three times a day. This supports nerve regeneration.
Sleeping position during recovery
Weeks 1–2: head elevated at 40–45 degrees · Weeks 3–6: at 30 degrees · From week 6: one pillow is enough · Full freedom in sleeping: after about 3 months. Using a neck pillow is recommended for 3 months, as turning onto your side should be avoided during this period.
After surgery, when is it possible to…?
Returning to
everyday life
The table below provides a detailed guide to when you can safely resume your usual activities after surgery.
| Nose blowing | For one week after surgery only in the way shown; in the usual way only after week 3. |
|---|---|
| Sneezing | In the first month only with an open mouth. |
| Nasal rinsing | Only with sterile saline solution, during the first year. |
| Physical activity, bending, sports | Complete rest: 1 day. Light activity (walking): from day 2. Cardio/weight training: after 1 month. Head-down movements (yoga, pilates, bowling etc.): after 3 months. |
| Sauna, steam room | From 3 months; protecting the nose with wet cotton wool is recommended. |
| Swimming (in public water) | After 3 months. |
| Natural water (sea, lake) | From week 6. |
| Jumping into water, submerging the head | From month 3. Snorkelling after 3–4 months, diving only after 6 months. |
| Wearing glasses/sunglasses | From day 10 (on the bony part, padded with a cotton pad). |
| Contact lenses | Any time, if there is no contraindication. |
| Flying | After splint removal. Using Otrivin is recommended at take-off/landing. Overseas trips are better after 4 weeks. |
| Cosmetic treatments | From month 3, avoiding the nose area. Pressing, massage: after the first year. |
| Nose care, creams | After one month you can use your own day or night face cream on the nose. |
| Other aesthetic treatments (laser, RF, LED, peeling etc.) | From month 3, avoiding the nose. Full face: after 1 year. |
| Botulinum toxin (Botox) | From week 6. |
| Hyaluronic acid fillers | From month 3. Treatment of the under-eye area, lips and nasolabial folds is recommended after 1 year. |
| Sunbathing | Direct sunlight should be avoided for 1 year. Using sunscreen is mandatory. |
| Sexual activity | After 3–4 weeks. |
| Dental treatment | Possible, as long as no pressure is applied to the nose. |
| Smoking | To be avoided entirely during recovery. |
| Alcohol consumption | After 1 month. |
| Make-up | After splint removal. |
| Showering, bathing, hair washing | The cast and tapes must not come into contact with water. When washing your hair, avoid tilting your head forward in the first 3 months. |
Recovery timeline
The expected
milestones
Complete healing is a gradual process. The timeline below helps you navigate the expected milestones.
Days 1–8
The cast period
The nose is often completely blocked. The cast is removed at the end of the week. You will find a detailed guide on the “What should I do with the nose cast?” page.
Weeks 2–3
After splint removal
Visible improvement after splint removal. Swelling gradually decreases. Starting Milgamma (after 1 week). Blowing your nose in the usual way is possible after week 3.
Weeks 3–6
Gradual return
Sleeping with the head elevated at 30 degrees. Bathing in natural water (sea, lake) is possible from week 6. Botox treatment is allowed from week 6.
Months 2–3
Significant improvement
Significant improvement in nasal breathing. You can sleep comfortably with one pillow. Resuming sports (cardio, weight training after 1 month). Cosmetic treatments from month 3, avoiding the nose.
Months 3–4
Full nasal breathing
Full nasal breathing can be expected. Sauna, steam room and swimming are possible. Resuming head-down movements (yoga, pilates). Hyaluronic acid fillers can be applied.
Months 6–12
Complete healing
All cosmetic treatments can be applied on the face. Aesthetic treatments can also be performed on the nose area after 1 year. The final result is visible.
General warnings
- Smoking must be avoided entirely during recovery
- Direct sunlight should be avoided for 1 year – sunscreen is mandatory
- Nasal rinsing only with sterile saline solution
- In case of any unusual symptom, contact your doctor immediately
Follow-up examinations
Monitoring your
recovery
Regular follow-up examinations after surgery are important for successful healing. The first follow-up usually takes place at splint removal.
Your nurse will hand over the written discharge summary signed by your specialist, prescriptions for post-operative medication if needed, and the dates of further follow-up examinations.
Please make sure you clearly understand the dates of the follow-up examinations and that you have the necessary documents with you.
Contact us immediately if:
- You experience excessive pain
- You notice unexpected bleeding
- The swelling suddenly increases or becomes one-sided
- Fever develops (above 38 °C)
- Breathing difficulty occurs
- You experience any unusual symptom
Contact us with confidence
If you have any questions about post-operative recovery, or experience any unusual symptom, our staff are happy to help.