Dr Ch’ng performs rhinoplasty under general anaesthetic in a fully accredited hospital. Surgery usually takes around four hours and patients will usually be able to go home on the same day. For the first week following surgery, a small plastic splint is kept on the outside of the nose to minimise swelling, and to help maintain the new shape while the nose heals. Soft, absorbent packing material or internal splints may also be used inside the nose during initial healing. Whether packing or splints are placed in the nose or not, most patients will feel that their nasal breathing is restricted in the first few days after surgery as a result of swelling within the nose. As the swelling subsides, breathing will feel easier. A short course of oral steroids may be prescribed to help reduce swelling.

Some patients develop swelling and/or bruising around the eyes in the first few days after surgery. Ice packs can be used to reduce this bruising and discomfort. Absorbable sutures are generally used inside the nose and do not need removal. Any external sutures (if used), nasal dressings and splints are removed at around seven days after surgery.

Patients are advised to avoid blowing their nose and any impact to the nose while the structures are healing. Rigorous activities (or any activity that would increase the risk of injury to the nose) should be avoided for 6 weeks. 

Patients should take care when wearing glasses to ensure no excess pressure is added to the bridge of the nose for the first six weeks. While initial swelling will subside within a few weeks, it may take 6–12 months for the new nose shape to be fully defined.