The “No Pack” Nose Job

One of the greatest concerns that we hear from patients about nasal surgery is the use of nasal packing and pain after surgery. In our experience, packing of the nose with gauze is rarely necessary. By avoiding packing, the level of pain after this procedure can be greatly reduced. For most patients, the level of pain after rhinoplasty surgery is less than they anticipated. The most significant pain is generally experienced during the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery. You will be given prescription pain medication to take for this. Generally within one to two days after surgery, most patients will take Tylenol during the day and then use the prescription medication at night. Ask us about the “No Pack” nose job. Make a consultation appointment today.

It is normal to experience a stopped up nose after surgery, which is due to internal swelling. This will begin to subside about 3 to 4 days after surgery. Many patients have found it helpful to use a saline nasal spray to moisten the nose and reduce crusting inside the nose. After surgery, there will be an external splint placed on the nose with a brown flesh tone colored tape. The purpose of the splint is to maintain the shape of the nose so that the swelling after surgery does not alter the new shape of the nose. This splint will be removed 7 days after surgery.

Initial recovery time after nasal surgery is generally 7 to 10 days. There will be some degree of swelling and bruising experienced around the lower forehead and eyelid areas. Staying elevated will limit this and also speed up resolution of swelling. By 6 weeks after surgery, the nose is 90% healed; however, you may continue to see very subtle changes in the nose for another 12 to 18 months. If tip work is done on your nose, it typically takes about 6 months for this area to normalize. Wearing glasses directly on the nose is not permitted for 6 weeks after surgery. The reason is that the constant pressure on the nasal bones can cause them to shift. We will provide you with a brace to put under your glasses during this time period if you must wear glasses.