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Recovery & Aftercare

How much swelling and bruising should I expect?

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Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.

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Swelling typically peaks around day 2-3 after surgery, then gradually decreases over the following weeks. Bruising, if it occurs — particularly around the eyes if osteotomy (bone work) was part of your surgery — usually peaks around the same time and fades over roughly 1-2 weeks, often changing color through yellow and green tones before disappearing.

How much swelling and bruising you personally experience varies based on your specific surgical plan, skin type, and individual healing tendency — patients undergoing bone work typically see more bruising than those with cartilage-only procedures, for example.

Consultation Tip

Ask Dr. Kim what to expect specifically for your surgical plan — this gives you a more accurate, personalized picture than general averages, especially useful for planning your travel timeline.

Ready to talk to Dr. Kim? Reach out on WhatsApp to book your video consultation: Chat with us on WhatsApp (+82 10-4434-6234)

— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery

What follows is general guidance. The actual cause and surgical approach are decided only after an internal examination, a CT scan and a review of your previous surgical history.

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