Nose Clinic

Guide

Rhinoplasty aftercare after returning to the UK

How aftercare is managed once you are back in the UK: follow-up, what to watch for, and who to contact.

Before you leave Tunis

  • The surgeon confirms you are fit to fly before you travel
  • You receive written instructions: how to care for your nose, what is normal, what is not, medications, and when your splint or sutures are dealt with
  • If you prefer to have your splint removed in Tunis, the stay can be extended

Once you are home

[01]

Remote follow-up

Ongoing follow-up with the surgical team as you heal, reviewing your progress remotely.

[02]

English-speaking coordinator

Reachable by WhatsApp or email, usually replying within 8 hours (except in emergencies).

[03]

Urgent problems

For heavy bleeding, spreading infection or breathing difficulty, contact your GP, an NHS service, or 999 - local NHS care is your fastest route.

A realistic recovery timeline

Everyone heals differently, and your surgeon will give you specifics for your case. As a general guide:

  1. First week

    Congestion and swelling

    A blocked-nose feeling, swelling and bruising; splint usually in place.

  2. Weeks 2-3

    Bruising settles

    Most visible bruising settles; many people feel ready for everyday activities.

  3. Months

    The final shape refines

    Swelling continues to reduce gradually, and the final shape keeps refining over a longer period.

This is general information and not a substitute for your surgeon's advice.

Travel insurance

Arrange insurance that explicitly covers elective surgery abroad and any complications, including a possible longer stay. Standard travel policies often exclude planned surgery, so check the wording.

FAQ

Who do I contact once I'm back in the UK?
An English-speaking coordinator, reachable by WhatsApp or email, usually within 8 hours (except in emergencies). For urgent problems, also contact your GP or an NHS service, or 999 in an emergency.
What if I have a complication after returning home?
Follow your written aftercare instructions and contact the coordinator for guidance. For anything urgent or serious, seek local NHS care straight away - it is your fastest route. This is why we recommend travel insurance covering elective surgery and complications.
When is it safe to fly home after rhinoplasty?
Your surgeon confirms you are fit to fly before you travel. The standard stay allows a few days' monitoring first. See recovery and flying for more detail.