What should I expect in post-op period ?

When you will wake up from anesthesia, your nose will be packed with gauze, so you will be able to breathe only through your mouth. There may be a cast or splint to support the new shape of your nose and a dressing covering it all. You will be swollen and bruised, and possibly have the beginnings of black eyes. This is absolutely normal and will subside over the first week or so of recovery. Most of the swelling resolves within two weeks to a month; it can take up to 3 years for all the residual swelling to abate. For additional information, read our extended article on rhinoplasty recovery.