Rhinoplasty
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In short: after rhinoplasty, swelling and bruising are normal for the first two weeks. The splint usually comes off around day 7, most people return to desk work after 7-10 days, sport is paused for at least a month and the final shape is seen after a few months. In Tirana we recommend a stay of about 7-8 days.
Here is what to expect, stage by stage, and how to plan your days in Tirana and your return home.
The recovery calendar
| When | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Splint on the nose, possibly internal packing or supports | Rest with your head raised |
| First 2 days | Swelling and bruising around the eyes, blocked nose | Rest, cold packs if advised, no exertion |
| From day 3 | Swelling starts to go down | Quiet daily routine, no sauna, steam room or sport |
| First week | Bruising fading | Avoid sun, very hot food and drinks, glasses resting on the nose |
| Around day 7 | Splint removal | Possibly supportive tapes for another 5-7 days |
| First month | The nose is still swollen, especially at the tip | No sport, follow the surgeon's instructions |
| After a few months | Swelling resolves | The result gradually settles |
When can you go back to work
For office work many patients return after about 7-10 days, once the splint is off and bruising has faded. Physical work or jobs with the public may need a few more days.
Sport should be paused for at least a month; contact sports take longer and need the surgeon's approval.
Swelling: why the result takes months
Swelling goes down quickly in the first weeks, but some lasts longer, especially at the tip of the nose and in thicker skin. It is normal for the nose to look more swollen in the morning than in the evening.
That is why the final result is assessed after a few months. In revision rhinoplasty the timing can be even longer.
How to plan your stay in Tirana
- Day 1: arrival, consultation and pre-operative tests
- Day 2: surgery
- Days 3-6: rest at the hotel, check-ups at the clinic
- Days 7-8: splint removal, check-up and flight home
That is why we recommend a stay of about 7-8 days. After you return home, follow-up continues remotely. Rhinoplasty at Dermolife starts from €1,800.
→ Rhinoplasty in Albania → Septorhinoplasty → Revision rhinoplasty
Frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty recovery
The operation is done under anaesthesia and pain afterwards is usually controlled with the prescribed medication. The most common discomfort in the first days is a blocked nose.
The flight home is planned after the splint is removed and the check-up, usually around day 7-8. The surgeon confirms the exact date.
Glasses resting on the nose should be avoided for the first weeks. The surgeon tells you when to wear them again or how to support them meanwhile.
The shape is already visible when the splint comes off, but the final result is assessed after a few months, once residual swelling has gone.
Yes, taking care not to wet the splint. Make-up over bruises can be used after the splint is removed, unless advised otherwise.