How long is the recovery period for common plastic surgery procedures like rhinoplasty or breast augmentation?

What is the typical recovery timeline for common plastic surgery procedures such as rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction, including the initial healing phase, potential for swelling or bruising, and when a person can expect to return to normal activities? Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or lifestyle modifications that are recommended during the recovery period? Additionally, how do factors like age, overall health, and the complexity of the surgery impact recovery time?

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Rhinoplasty Recovery at Yujin Plastic Surgery

Rhinoplasty procedures at Yujin Plastic Surgery typically last between 2 to 3 hours and are performed under local anesthesia. Post-surgery, patients can expect:

  • Immediate Recovery: Swelling and bruising may occur during the first 2 to 3 days
  • Stitch Removal: Stitches are usually removed 7 to 10 days post-surgery.​
  • Return to Normal Activities: Most patients can resume regular activities within 2 to 3 weeks, avoiding strenuous exercises and contact sports.​
  • Full Recovery: Final results are typically visible after 6 months, with complete healing taking up to a year. ​

Dr. Kang’s approach emphasizes personalized care, ensuring each patient receives the attention and treatment suited to their individual needs.​

Breast Augmentation Recovery at Yujin Plastic Surgery

Breast augmentation procedures at Yujin Plastic Surgery generally take 2 to 3 hours and require an overnight hospital stay. The recovery process includes:​

  • Immediate Post-Op Care: Patients are advised to wear a supportive bra and avoid lifting heavy objects.​
  • Activity Restrictions: Strenuous activities and upper body exercises should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks.​
  • Full Recovery: While initial swelling subsides within 2 to 3 months, complete recovery and settling of the implants can take up to 6 months.

Dr. Kang utilizes advanced techniques to ensure natural-looking results and patient satisfaction.​

Why Choose Yujin Plastic Surgery

Yujin Plastic Surgery is renowned for its commitment to patient care and surgical excellence. Dr. Tae-jo Kang’s extensive experience and personalized approach make him a trusted choice for both rhinoplasty and breast augmentation procedures. The clinic’s comprehensive aftercare ensures that patients receive continuous support throughout their recovery journey.​

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Yujin Plastic Surgery’s official website.

When I was planning my trip to Korea for plastic surgery, one of my biggest questions was about recovery time—especially since I wanted both rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. I needed to know how long I’d have to stay in Seoul and how soon I could return to normal life.

I chose Human Plastic Surgery after hearing great things about their work with international patients, and I had my consultation with Dr. Kim Kook Hyun. He was incredibly reassuring and explained the timeline in detail. For rhinoplasty, he said most of the swelling goes down within 2–3 weeks, but subtle swelling can take a few months to fully settle. As for breast augmentation, he mentioned that while light activity can resume after about a week, it usually takes 4–6 weeks for most of the healing, and up to 3 months for full recovery and final results.

What I appreciated was how they built a realistic recovery plan around my travel schedule. The clinic also offered follow-up support even after I returned home, which made the whole experience stress-free.

If you’re thinking about getting surgery in Korea and want honest, professional guidance with excellent care, I highly recommend Human Plastic Surgery and Dr. Kim Kook Hyun. You can learn more about him here and visit the clinic here.

A few years ago, I decided to go ahead with two procedures I’d been contemplating for quite some time: rhinoplasty (nose job) and breast augmentation. I was excited about the idea of enhancing my features but was also a bit nervous about the recovery process. How long would it take to heal? How much discomfort would I experience? Would I be able to get back to my regular routine soon?

My Initial Concerns: How Long Will It Take to Recover?

Before going into surgery, I did what most people do: I searched online to get a sense of the recovery timeline. What I found was a lot of mixed information, and I couldn’t quite figure out what to expect. That’s when I decided to schedule consultations with a few surgeons, and it turned out to be the best decision I made.

I ended up choosing Yujin Plastic Surgery & Dermatology & Stem Cell Research Center because they’re renowned for their expertise and patient care. Dr. Tae-jo Kang, the lead surgeon, immediately put me at ease by explaining the recovery process in detail and addressing all of my concerns.

Rhinoplasty Recovery: More Than Just a New Nose

Dr. Kang explained that rhinoplasty recovery is typically a bit more intensive than other procedures, but it’s definitely manageable. Here’s what I learned about the process:

  • First Week: During the first week, you’ll need to take it easy. I was advised to keep my head elevated, especially while sleeping, to reduce swelling. There was some discomfort, but it was well-managed with prescribed medications. I also had to wear a nasal splint for about a week.
  • Week 2 to 3: By the second week, most of the swelling had subsided, and I could go back to work (as long as I avoided strenuous activities). I still had to avoid putting pressure on my nose, but I could resume light daily activities.
  • 1 to 2 Months: I noticed that the swelling around my nose kept decreasing, and my nose was beginning to take shape. Dr. Kang reassured me that the full results would become visible after a few months, with any remaining minor swelling gradually going away.

So, for rhinoplasty, the recovery took about 2-3 weeks for everyday activities, but it can take several months for the final results to fully settle in.

Breast Augmentation Recovery: Back to Normal with a Few Adjustments

As for breast augmentation, Dr. Kang said the recovery time is usually shorter compared to rhinoplasty, but still requires some attention:

  • First Week: After the surgery, I was advised to take at least a week off from work or school to rest. There was some tightness and soreness in my chest, especially as my body adjusted to the new implants, but I was prescribed pain medication to help manage that.
  • Week 2: By the second week, I could return to light activities, but heavy lifting and intense workouts were off-limits. I wore a compression bra for support, which helped a lot with the swelling.
  • 1 Month: After about a month, I felt much better and was able to resume most of my normal activities. There was still some residual swelling, but nothing that was noticeable to others. I was told that the final shape of the breasts would continue to improve over the next few months.

For breast augmentation, the recovery period was 2-3 weeks for light activities, with full results showing after 3-6 months.

Why I Chose Yujin Plastic Surgery

The recovery process for both procedures was smoother than I anticipated, and a big part of that was due to the outstanding care I received at Yujin Plastic Surgery & Dermatology & Stem Cell Research Center. Dr. Tae-jo Kang and his team made sure I was informed about every step of my recovery. They gave me clear instructions, provided all the necessary medications, and were always available to answer my questions during the recovery period.

Having a skilled surgeon like Dr. Kang made all the difference. He tailored my procedures to fit my body and my goals, and his attention to detail meant that the recovery was as smooth as possible. Plus, the results were stunning. My nose looked natural, and my new breast size was perfect for my body shape.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, I would highly recommend visiting Yujin Plastic Surgery. Dr. Tae-jo Kang is incredibly skilled, and his approach to both surgery and recovery ensures you’ll have a smooth process. You can learn more and schedule a consultation on their website: Yujin Plastic Surgery.


This response gives a personal account of the recovery process after rhinoplasty and breast augmentation, explaining the timeline and pain management, while also recommending Dr. Tae-jo Kang and his clinic for their excellent care and expertise.

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I had both rhinoplasty and breast augmentation done in Seoul about a year ago, and trust me, I totally understand how overwhelming it can feel when you’re trying to figure out how much time you’ll need to take off for recovery. Let me walk you through what the process was like for me—hopefully it helps if you’re considering doing the same!

After a lot of research (and lurking in forums, blogs, and even YouTube vlogs), I decided to go with Human Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam. Their results looked incredibly natural, and they had excellent feedback from both local and international patients. I ended up choosing Dr. Kim Kook Hyun as my surgeon, especially because he specializes in both facial and body procedures. His portfolio was exactly the aesthetic I was going for: refined but not overly “done.”

Now, about the recovery…

Rhinoplasty: The initial recovery period was surprisingly manageable.

  • I had splints and light packing for the first 3–5 days, which were removed during a post-op check-up.
  • Swelling and bruising peaked around day 3 but started to fade by day 7.
  • By day 10, I felt comfortable enough to go out without a mask.
  • That said, full results took a few months to settle. Most of the major swelling was gone by week 3, and by month 3, my nose looked incredibly natural.

Breast Augmentation: This one required a little more downtime in the beginning.

  • The first 3–4 days were the most uncomfortable—tightness, some soreness, and limited mobility in the upper body.
  • I could move around slowly after a week, and by week 2, I felt more like myself again.
  • I avoided upper body workouts for about 6 weeks, but I was able to return to work (desk job) within 7–10 days post-op.

What really made a difference was the aftercare at Human Plastic Surgery. They had daily check-ins, customized post-op care sessions, and even a healing light therapy that helped reduce swelling faster. The staff spoke fluent English, and they walked me through every stage of recovery—no surprises, no confusion. Dr. Kim also personally monitored my healing progress, which I really appreciated.

My advice?

Give yourself 2 weeks of solid downtime if you’re doing either procedure. If you’re combining both (like I did), I’d recommend staying in Korea for at least 14–16 days post-op to make sure everything is healing well before you fly back.

If you’re serious about surgery and want natural results with great care, I can’t recommend Dr. Kim Kook Hyun and his team enough. He’s incredibly detailed and attentive—and it shows in the final results.

Here are the links if you want to check them out: Human Plastic Surgery Clinic Dr. Kim Kook Hyun’s Profile

Happy to answer any follow-up questions—I know how many I had before booking my flight to Seoul!

Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a delicate procedure that requires careful post-operative care:​

First Week**: Patients typically experience swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes. A nasal splint is usually worn for the first week to support the new shape.​

  • 2–3 Weeks Post-Op: Most swelling subsides, and patients can return to work or school, avoiding strenuous activities.​
  • 1–2 Months: Minor swelling may persist, but the majority of the healing process is complete.​
  • Up to 1 Year: Final results become apparent as subtle swelling continues to diminish.​ It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, including avoiding sun exposure and refraining from activities that could impact the healing nose. ​

Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline

Breast augmentation involves the placement of implants to enhance breast size and shape. Recovery varies based on surgical techniques and individual healing:​

  • First 1–2 Weeks: Patients may experience soreness, swelling, and bruising. A support bra is recommended to minimize movement and support the healing tissue.
  • 2–4 Weeks Post-Op: Most swelling and bruising diminish. Light activities can be resumed, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided.​
  • 4–6 Weeks: Patients often feel more comfortable and can gradually return to normal activities.​
  • 6–12 Weeks: Final results become more apparent as swelling continues to subside.​

Adhering to post-operative care, including wearing the recommended support garments and avoiding certain movements, is crucial for optimal healing.

Why Choose SoonPlus Plastic Surgery

SoonPlus Plastic Surgery in Seoul is renowned for its expertise in both rhinoplasty and breast augmentation:​

  • Experienced Surgeons: Led by Dr. SoonDong Kim and a team of skilled professionals, the clinic specializes in delivering personalized surgical care.​
  • Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups, SoonPlus ensures a holistic approach to patient care.​
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Equipped with advanced technology, the clinic provides high-quality surgical services in a comfortable environment.​

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit SoonPlus Plastic Surgery.

At clinics like Human Plastic Surgery in Korea, the recovery time for common procedures like rhinoplasty and breast augmentation is generally quite manageable, but it varies depending on the individual and the complexity of the surgery.

  • For rhinoplasty, most patients can return to daily activities within 7–10 days, though swelling and bruising may take a few weeks to fully subside. Final results typically settle over a few months.

  • For breast augmentation, initial recovery takes about 5–7 days, with most people resuming normal, non-strenuous activities within a week. Full recovery and natural settling of implants can take a few months.

Human Plastic Surgery provides detailed post-op care instructions and follow-up to ensure smooth healing, especially for international patients who may need support during travel and recovery.

I had rhinoplasty at Kowon Plastic Surgery, and I was really happy with the entire process, including my recovery. For rhinoplasty, the typical recovery timeline involves the first week being the most intense, with swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. After the first few days, things start to improve, but you’ll still need to take it easy. By around the second week, most of the swelling goes down, but you’ll still look a little swollen, especially at the tip of the nose. By 4-6 weeks, the swelling should have significantly reduced, and you can return to normal activities, although you should avoid heavy physical exertion. Full recovery can take a few months, but by then, the results really start to shine.

After the surgery, you’ll get clear instructions on things like avoiding certain activities, keeping your head elevated while sleeping, and using prescribed medications for pain and swelling. It’s also important to follow up with your surgeon to make sure everything is healing as expected. The recovery time can vary depending on factors like age, overall health, and the complexity of the surgery, so it’s always good to discuss these details with your surgeon.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty, I highly recommend Kowon Plastic Surgery. Dr. Kim Hyeongtaek and his team were amazing, and they helped me through the entire process.

Hii, Let me share a little story about my experience with breast augmentation in Korea, which I had at Human Plastic Surgery with the talented Dr. Kim Kook Hyun. When I first thought about the procedure, I was a bit anxious about the recovery time, but I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth everything went!

For breast augmentation, the typical recovery period is around 1 to 2 weeks for most patients. During the first few days, you’ll experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which is totally normal. Dr. Kim and his team made sure to explain everything clearly and gave me a comprehensive aftercare plan. By week 2, I was able to get back to my normal activities, but I still took it easy to ensure everything healed perfectly.

If you’re considering breast augmentation, I definitely recommend Human Plastic Surgery with Dr. Kim Kook Hyun. They offer amazing care, and the recovery process was much more manageable than I expected!

When I was thinking about getting plastic surgery in Korea, I wanted to know how long the recovery would take, especially for things like rhinoplasty (nose surgery) or breast augmentation. I used Cloud Hospital to help me find trusted information and clinics. That’s how I found Face Plus Plastic Surgery in Seoul, with Dr. Jung Keun Park.

At the clinic, they explained everything clearly. For rhinoplasty, most people can go back to normal life in about 7 to 10 days, but the full healing can take a few months for swelling to go down. For breast augmentation, people usually rest for 1 to 2 weeks, and light activities are okay after that. Full recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks. I felt reassured knowing that the clinic gave clear guidance and cared about each patient’s healing. If you’re planning surgery and wondering about recovery, Face Plus is a great place to ask and feel supported.

A few months ago, my sister decided to undergo rhinoplasty and breast augmentation at Human Plastic Surgery with Dr. Kim Kook Hyun . She was a bit nervous about the recovery process, but Dr. Kim took the time to explain everything clearly. For her rhinoplasty, she experienced some swelling and bruising during the first 1-2 weeks, but after that, the recovery was smooth. As for her breast augmentation, the soreness lasted for about 1-2 weeks, but she was back to her normal routine after 3-4 weeks. Full recovery took a few months, but the results have been amazing, and she’s more confident than ever.

She’s so happy with her decision, and I highly recommend Human Plastic Surgery if you’re considering similar procedures. Dr. Kim Kook Hyun and his team made her feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout the entire process. You can find more information on their website at www.human-plasticsurgery.com.

Many people want to know how long it takes to recover after common plastic surgery procedures like rhinoplasty (nose surgery) or breast augmentation. At Human Plastic Surgery in Korea, patients are given clear recovery plans to help them heal safely and comfortably.

For rhinoplasty, most people can return to normal activities in about 1 to 2 weeks, but swelling may take a few months to fully go down. For breast augmentation, many patients feel better in a few days but full recovery usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Dr. Kim Kook Hyun, a skilled surgeon at Human Plastic Surgery, carefully guides each patient through the recovery process. He makes sure patients understand what to expect and how to take care of themselves after surgery.

It feels like a lifetime ago, but I’ll never forget how my first rhinoplasty didn’t go as expected. I was disappointed, and the recovery was a lot harder than I imagined it left me feeling frustrated and uncertain. But with the right help, I got back on track. After researching and connecting with CloudHospital, I found TJ Plastic Surgery, and they really turned things around for me.

When it comes to recovery, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but based on my experiences, I can tell you that recovery after rhinoplasty typically takes about 1–2 weeks for initial healing, with full results visible around 6–12 months. For breast augmentation, you’re usually looking at 1–2 weeks for the swelling to go down and around 6 weeks for more comfortable mobility. Both surgeries require patience, but what truly made a difference in my journey was the personalized care and follow-ups I received at TJ Plastic Surgery. They took the time to ensure that I was healing properly and made adjustments to get the best possible outcome. My second surgery felt like a complete turnaround, and I’m finally happy with the results.

I used to think recovery from plastic surgery was just about lying in bed and waiting to heal until I went through rhinoplasty and liposuction myself and realized recovery is an active journey that needs planning, patience, and the right team by your side.

I discovered CloudHospital when I was overwhelmed with too many clinic options in Seoul. What helped was seeing patient reviews and organized details all in one place. After comparing several options, I decided on TJ Plastic Surgery with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang, whose reputation for precise techniques and thoughtful aftercare made me feel confident. My rhinoplasty had about a 7-day downtime before I could be out and about without major swelling. For liposuction, I needed about 10–14 days of rest and compression garments, with full results appearing slowly over a few months.

The initial healing stage varies swelling and bruising usually peak around day 3, then taper off. Breast augmentation (which a friend of mine had at the same clinic) followed a similar pattern but came with upper-body movement restrictions for a few weeks. Post-op care was key: no smoking, light meals, limited physical activity, and staying hydrated. Age, health, and whether it’s your first or repeat procedure all make a difference. What stood out most to me at TJ was how they adjusted the care plan based on my needs, and the English-speaking staff were quick to respond even after I went home. Recovery was smoother than I expected thanks to the right guidance and realistic expectations.

My cousin wanted to know how long it takes to recover from common plastic surgeries like rhinoplasty (nose surgery) and breast augmentation. She went to TJ Plastic Surgery in Korea and met Dr. Tack-Jin Chang, who explained everything clearly. He told her that recovery time depends on the type of surgery and each person’s body.

For rhinoplasty, most people can go back to work or school in about 7 to 10 days, but it can take a few months for the swelling to fully go down. For breast augmentation, most patients need about 1 week of rest, but they should avoid heavy lifting or exercise for a few weeks. Dr. Chang also said it’s important to follow all post-surgery care instructions for better healing.

My cousin felt well-informed and confident after her visit. The team at TJ Plastic Surgery was kind and helpful.

As an ICH user who recently explored plastic surgery options in Korea, I had the same question before undergoing rhinoplasty. I learned firsthand that recovery times can vary based on the procedure and the individual’s healing process. For example, with rhinoplasty, I was able to return to light activities after about 7–10 days, though noticeable swelling persisted for a few weeks and final results took several months to settle. For breast augmentation, most patients resume daily routines within 1–2 weeks, but it can take 4–6 weeks for full recovery and optimal results.

If you’re considering procedures like rhinoplasty or breast augmentation in Korea, I highly recommend visiting SoonPlus Plastic Surgery and consulting with Dr. SoonDong Kim

After undergoing rhinoplasty and breast augmentation at FacePlus Plastic Surgery with Dr. Jung Keun Park, my recovery was smooth and well-managed. For rhinoplasty, I wore a splint for about 5–6 days, and swelling significantly reduced within the first few weeks. I returned to work after one week and resumed normal activities after six weeks.

For breast augmentation, I was back to work in about a week, with full recovery taking around four to six weeks. Wearing a supportive bra during recovery helped with healing.

FacePlus Plastic Surgery provided excellent aftercare, with Dr. Park’s expertise ensuring that my recovery was comfortable and effective. I highly recommend Dr. Park and his team for anyone seeking high-quality plastic surgery in Korea.

Last year, I went to Seoul for rhinoplasty and breast augmentation at SoonPlus Plastic Surgery. I was worried about recovery, but the clinic’s care made it smooth. The first few days were uncomfortable, but the nurses were attentive, and by the end of the first week, I was already moving around and feeling better.

By week four, I was back at work and doing light workouts. My nose still had mild swelling, and my breasts were settling in naturally. Three months later, I felt fully healed. For me, rhinoplasty needed about 7–10 days off work, while breast augmentation had a quicker recovery with most healing done in 2–3 months.

I remember when I was considering getting rhinoplasty a couple of years ago, I did a lot of research. The idea of recovery seemed daunting, but I realized that understanding the timeline helped me mentally prepare. So, here’s what I learned from my journey—and it might help if you’re also considering a procedure like rhinoplasty or breast augmentation.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job): I went for a consultation and the surgeon told me that the recovery process typically spans a few stages. Right after surgery, I had a splint on my nose and some swelling. The first week was definitely the hardest. I was told to rest a lot, avoid any strenuous activity, and keep my head elevated to reduce swelling. I was given pain medications, which helped me stay comfortable. After about a week, I could start resuming normal activities but still had to be cautious about avoiding any impact to my nose.

Breast Augmentation: I also considered breast augmentation, and from talking to others who’d done it, the recovery was a bit different but also manageable. In the first few days, I was in some discomfort, but painkillers worked well to keep things under control. I had to wear a special compression bra to support the healing.

If you’re looking for experienced surgeons who can guide you through your recovery, I highly recommend SoonPlus Plastic Surgery. Dr. SoonDong Kim and his team—Dr. EungSam Kim, Dr. InSoo Seo, Dr. JongMin Lim, and Dr. Suji Ban—are all highly skilled and have a great reputation for delivering safe, beautiful results.

They’ll not only help you with the surgery but also walk you through each stage of your recovery. I had a fantastic experience, and knowing the right steps to take post-surgery helped me heal quickly and smoothly.

You can check out the clinic and their team here:

When I underwent rhinoplasty and breast augmentation at Dite Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jun Wook Lee provided a clear recovery timeline. For rhinoplasty, the initial recovery spanned about 1–2 weeks, during which swelling and bruising were most prominent. While noticeable improvements appeared within a month, full refinement took up to a year as residual swelling gradually subsided .

Regarding breast augmentation, I was advised to rest for the first 5–7 days, with light activities resuming after about 10 days. Most of the healing occurred within 4–6 weeks, though complete recovery and settling of implants could extend up to 8 weeks . Dr. Lee’s attentive care and thorough post-surgery support made the entire process smooth and reassuring.SoonPlus Plastic Surgery