Should I Be Afraid Of The Pain From Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which the existing nasal structures are augmented to resize or reshape the nose, providing greater balance and symmetry to the face.

Although the decision to undergo rhinoplasty is often very exciting for patients who have long been self-conscious of their natural nose or whose nose has been altered as a result of an injury, it can be an intimidating undertaking for individuals who worry about how much pain they will experience following the procedure. While the extent of pain is dependent upon the scope of the procedure, in most cases, patients are more inclined to experience a temporary sensation of pressure rather than pain.

Extent Of Pain Depends On Extent Of Surgery

The majority of rhinoplasty patients experience mild to moderate pain post-operatively and this pain gradually dissipates within the first 72 hours of the procedure. Tylenol # 3 will be prescribed to help you manage any pain, but many patients find that they do not need this medication after the first 24 hours.

However, it is important to be aware that the extent of pain that patients experience directly correlates with the extent of the rhinoplasty procedure. In many cases, it is only necessary to manipulate cartilage and reconstruct soft tissue to achieve the desired result, in which case, the patient’s post-operative pain is generally mild and can often be easily managed with an over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol. In other instances, nasal fracturing may be required in order to straighten the nose, narrow the nose, or restore the nose’s shape after a dorsal hump is removed.

As a result, the pain experienced may increase, and the procedure may result in periorbital bruising. In this case, additional pain medication can be used during the procedure to minimize the likelihood of pain and bruising. Patients should be aware that healing from a rhinoplasty procedure may take up to one year as a result of residual swelling; however, any resulting pain typically subsides within the first week.

Discomfort Following Rhinoplasty

Most patients experience some discomfort following rhinoplasty surgery as the internasal surgical packing used to stop bleeding and keep the nose in place can cause patients to feel pressure or congestion in their nose. Since some bloody nasal discharge is to be expected post-operatively, a small gauze dressing must be placed under the nose following the procedure and replaced as necessary.

This can be uncomfortable for patients as can the nasal dressing on the outside of the nose and stints, which are often placed inside of the nose, causing nasal stuffiness. Although this congestion typically begins to improve once the external and internal nasal dressings are removed approximately 5 to 7 days post-operatively, some patients may continue to experience nasal stuffiness for several weeks afterwards.

For more information about rhinoplasty surgery, you can contact our office at 905-764-7799 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Solomon at the Solomon Nasal and Facial Surgery Centre in Thornhill, just north of Toronto.

Computer Imaging

One of the best ways to predict aesthetic results of your rhinoplasty is computer imaging, which can provide patients with a simulated image of the potential outcome of the procedure. At your request,, Dr. Solomon, a renowned rhinoplasty surgeon in Toronto, will use advanced computer imaging during your consultation to enable you to ‘try on’ a different shaped nose.. While computer imaging can provide you with an approximation of your surgical results, the exact outcome cannot be guaranteed.

For more information about rhinoplasty surgery, contact our clinic at 905-764-7799 to schedule your consultation at the Solomon Nasal and Facial Plastic Surgery Centre in Thornhill, just north of Toronto.