Rhinoplasty is a game-changing procedure that can correct flaws and restore your appearance, confidence, and happiness. But just like with any surgery, your actions in the days following the procedure are crucial if you want the best outcomes to recover from a rhinoplasty.
You may have a lower risk of developing an infection or another problem, protect your new nose from harm, and recover more quickly if you strictly adhere to your post-operative care instructions.
Remember that it takes the body about a year to fully recover from rhinoplasty surgery, even though most of the swelling and bruises will go away in a few weeks. Below are some tips to consider to ensure a faster rhinoplasty recovery.
Avoid Wearing Glasses
Your nose’s bridge will need time to heal after the surgery, and wearing glasses can put too much pressure. This could impede healing. If you must wear glasses, get a protective nasal splint or tape your glasses between your eyebrows to prevent pressure on your nose.
Avoid Picking Scabs
Picking scabs at the incision can make it worse, cause bleeding, and even lead to an infection at the operation site.
Avoid touching the inside of your nose despite how itchy or bothersome the scabbed area feels.
Use Nasal Saline Solution
It would help if you began moisturizing your nose with a nasal saline solution three to six times daily once there is no longer any gauze packing. This will prevent the inside of your nose from drying out after surgery while keeping it clear.
Abstain From Kissing
A minor bump to the delicate area where the surgery was performed could cause the nose to damage before healing, necessitating additional surgery. So, preventing others from getting close to your mouth is crucial. Avoid kissing infants, young children, and pets for the first six weeks following the surgery.
Keep Your Head Elevated When Sleeping
Sleep with your head slightly raised while lying on your back for the first week following surgery. Keeping your head elevated above the rest of your body will aid in minimizing swelling and fluid accumulation. This aids in nose surgery recovery. You can sleep on a reclined chair or on a bed that has two or three pillows supporting it.
Avoid Drinking and Smoking
Smoking and drinking alcohol can slow the healing process after surgery. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which is necessary for skin healing. Additionally, alcohol widens blood vessels, which can exacerbate post-rhinoplasty bleeding and bruises.
Do Not Strain Your Body
You shouldn’t bend, lift, or exert your body to any strain for at least three weeks following rhinoplasty surgery. These things increase the likelihood that the nose will get bumped before it has healed, which increases the likelihood of bleeding and swelling. Typically, you can resume walking and light exercise after three weeks, provided they are careful.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
Is Rhinoplasty Painful?
You won’t experience pain whether you receive the procedure under local or general anesthesia. Typically, a few drops of blood, mucus, and old blood will drain a few days after surgery which can occasionally be painful or uncomfortable.
You must exercise patience as you recover from rhinoplasty because everyone heals at a different rate. It is typical to experience swelling, mild pain, bruising, and even headaches four weeks after your procedure. Consider checking in with your surgeon during this time to make sure you’re healing properly.
Will Rhinoplasty Leave Visible or Long-lasting Scars?
The surgeon does the procedure from inside the nose; thus, there are no visible scars when a closed rhinoplasty. The tiny scars at the base of the nose are typically invisible, even when the doctor uses an open technique.
Will Having a Rhinoplasty Alter How I Breathe?
The inside of the nose will swell for up to a year following rhinoplasty. This can initially make breathing a little challenging, but it usually goes away in one to three months. You can treat any swelling that develops as you heal using ice. It may lessen inflammation and some breathing problems. The breathing will significantly improve as the internal swelling decreases.
Is The Nose More Vulnerable After Rhinoplasty?
The nasal bones regain strength after six weeks following rhinoplasty. The nose should be able to handle an injury as it did before the surgery after about six weeks. However, this does not apply when the nose job involves removing a significant amount of cartilage from the septum’s base. The lower portion of the nose may become a little weaker in this situation.
