The 4th most common cosmetic surgery in the United States is nose surgery (Rhinoplasty), commonly called a “nose job.” In 2009, there were over 138,000 surgeries in that year itself. This surgical procedure improves the appearance or corrects irregularities of the nose by either reducing or changing its size or shape. Although nose surgery offers great results, it is not without its share of possible side effects:


Pain

Because bone and cartilage are moved around, there is a certain degree of pain that will be felt after nose surgery that normally will range from mild to moderate pain. Most who suffered an injury previous to the surgery explain that the procedure is less painful than before the operation.

Pain medications are normally recommended for 2 to 10 days, to take when necessary by following recommendations. It has been noted, however, that usually within 24 hours, the pain will subside. 


Bruising

A common side effect of nose surgery is bruising around the area of the eyes. The extent of bruising does depend on the individual. Some may notice only slight bruising, while others may actually have “black eyes.”


Numbness

Most patients who have this operation feel numbness at the tip of the nose. This side effect could last for many weeks.


Swelling

It is normal for swelling to occur after nose surgery, as there is a lot of movement from reshaping that takes place during the surgery. It takes time for the body to adjust to these changes. The swelling is more pronounced during the first 3 days, but will soon start to diminish within 2 weeks. It is not out of the ordinary for some slight swelling to last for as long as 6 months after the surgery.

Medical studies indicate that usually when the surgery is done within the nostrils, a “closed surgery,” the swelling could last for 1 to 6 weeks. For an “open surgery” when the operation is done from the outside of the nose, it is not uncommon for the swelling to last 1 to 6 months rather than weeks.

If the head is kept elevated slightly and cold dry compresses are used, it may reduce the swelling. It is important to always carefully follow the doctor’s instructions and recommendations as to the pre and post-operative care.


Difficulty Breathing

Many patients find it difficult to breath through the nose shortly after the surgery, and for up to about 1 week after the surgery. This is from the swelling and the movement that occurs during the surgery. The nose takes time to adjust to the change.


Bleeding

Patients are discouraged from blowing their nose for at least 1 month, as this could cause bleeding. This may be difficult after the procedure, when it is most difficult to breathe.


Abnormal Healing

There is the possibility for abnormal healing after a nose job. The nose may become crooked or asymmetrical (out of balance). Avoiding blowing the nose after nose surgery will help to avoid abnormal healing.