Top 10 Tips For Making Recovery After Rhinoplasty go Smoothly

If you’re like most rhinoplasty patients, you’ll be eager to see the result of your nose job right away! Unfortunately, healing is a process that can’t be rushed. There are ways to ensure your recovery goes smoothly, and that you see exciting changes as soon as possible. The list of tips below can help keep you on track.

1. Listen to your rhinoplasty surgeon, not everyone else

Sure, you can find some excellent and accurate tips on other surgeon’s websites, but we do advise you to check with your own surgeon first and always prioritize their instructions for you. Each person’s procedure and unique considerations mean individualized advice matters. Your surgeon knows your situation the best.

2. Trust your gut

Plenty of people feel hesitant to ask questions or “complain” about their concerns. We live in a polite society, but you shouldn’t hesitate to speak up when it comes to your health and safety. After any cosmetic procedure, report concerning signs like unexpected bleeding or unrelieved pain. Anything that you feel is unusual for you is worth asking about. Your facial surgeon will not mind being on the safe side, and it could prevent issues.

3. Elevate your head

Sleeping on your front or side may be the most comfortable for you, but after rhinoplasty, you’ll need to be on your back and keep your head up roughly 30-45 degrees. That’s because gravity affects the amount of uncomfortable swelling you’ll have in your face. As well, pressure on your nose area from the mattress and pillows could do damage. It certainly won’t allow you to rest easily. To reduce inflammation faster, use multiple firm cushions, a recliner, or airline pillow to keep your head in an ideal position.

4. Use cool compresses on your cheeks

You might not think of cold applied to the cheeks after a nose job, but since you can’t put any direct pressure on the nose, ice packs are out. Instead, use a cold pack on each cheek for brief periods in the days after surgery, and you’ll get some relief from the pressure of inflammation.

5. Don’t hesitate to nap

You may hear that you need to walk around after cosmetic surgery. That’s a healthy way to ensure proper circulation in your legs, but plenty of rest is allowed too. Many people feel extra sleepy after surgery under general anaesthetic, and your body needs all its energy for healing. Take naps, and set up multiple rest areas in your home, so you don’t feel trapped in bed.

Note* Sometimes patients prefer to take minimal medication because rhinoplasty recovery is not very painful. However, sensations are often amplified at night, and you may have trouble sleeping if you don’t take your medication as directed.

6. Maintain balanced nutrition

When your body has nutrients needed to heal, you’ll see optimal results faster. After a rhinoplasty, pay attention to the protein and vitamins you consume in healthy, whole foods. Eat protein-rich foods like nuts, eggs, meat, yogurt, grass-fed meat and fish. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the regeneration of collagen to build firm, elastic tissue. Natural sources of Vitamin C include fruits, broccoli and other leafy greens.

7. Don’t blow your nose

After surgery, Resist the urge to blow your nose no matter how congested you feel. Rather than mucous, the sensation of stuffiness is due to inflammation of delicate nasal passage tissue, and it will resolve over time.

8. Avoid strenuous activity

Rhinoplasty surgeons usually advise roughly 6 weeks off from sports and strenuous activity that could jeopardize your nose. You may be permitted to do light cardio and lower bodywork after a few weeks, but you won’t be able to bend over, do heavy lifting or play contact sports until well-healed.

9. Stay Out of the Sun

Avoiding sun exposure on inflamed skin is critical to prevent burns and pigmentation issues. Wear a broad-brimmed hat or stay in the shade.

10. Try to be patient

The hardest phase after rhinoplasty is often between 1 month and 1 year. You’ll see rapid changes and improvements at first, and you’ll appear recovered at roughly 3-4 weeks, but the residual swelling may take several months to disappear. Details like tip refinements require much patience. Rest assured if you follow your surgeon’s advice and understand the timeline, you’ll eventually see the outcomes you’re waiting for.