In the postoperative phase, particularly in the first 24 hours, the skin of your face will feel numb. You nose may be painful and you might have a dull headache.
However, these slight problems can all be treated with simple painkillers. For the first few days you should remain in bed, with the upper portion of the body slightly raised. You will notice that the swelling and discolouration around the eyes at first increases, reaching its maximum after 2-3 days.
Applying cold compresses reduces the extent of the swelling and is usually found to be very pleasant by most patients. After 1 or 2 weeks practically no swelling will be visible any longer.
During the first few days after your nose correction slight bleeding from the nose is normal. Your surgeon will ask you not to blow your nose during the first 14 days, to avoid triggering renewed bleeding. Once the nose tamponades have been removed and you can breathe freely through the nose once again, you will immediately feel better and the dull feeling of pressure will disappear.
After 8-10 days the bandage and nose plaster will be removed and you can apply make-up to conceal any remaining slight discolouration of the skin. During the first 2-3 weeks after the nose correction you should avoid all activities which cause a significant increase in blood pressure. You can wash your face gently, but should avoid any vigorous rubbing of the nose.
During the first days after their operation, when their face is swollen and discoloured, many patients forget that they will look better later. Many patients are initially disappointed because the improvement in their external appearance is not immediately evident.
Be patient and be assured that the swelling of your nose will recede more and more each day and your nose will finally attain the desired shape.
Nevertheless, you must understand that healing is a slow process which proceeds in stages. A slight swelling may remain for a few weeks, particularly in the tip of the nose.
The final result of aesthetic nose correction can normally only be assessed after about 6 months.