7 Rules for Rapid Rhinoplasty Recovery

Rhinoplasty can be a life changing procedure – remedying imperfections and restoring self-confidence and satisfaction with one’s appearance.

But, as with any surgery, a patient’s actions in the days following the procedure are essential for ensuring the best possible outcome. Meticulously following your post-op care instructions can help reduce the possibility of infection or complications, prevent damage to your new nose, and raise your chances of healing rapidly.

While the majority of swelling and bruising will dissipate within a few weeks, remember that it takes the human body about a full year for the nose to be completely recovered from rhinoplasty surgery.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Rule #1: Don’t Wear Glasses

The bridge of the nose needs time to heal after surgery and wearing glasses (including sunglasses) can put unnecessary pressure on the area. This can interfere with healing and even result in a permanent indentation.

Patients who must wear glasses, can be fitted with a special protective nasal splint – or can tape the glasses between their eyebrows to avoid putting pressure on your nose.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Rule #2: Don’t Pick at Scabs

Picking can reopen wounds within the nose, cause bleeding and even result in infection of the surgical area. So, refrain from touching the inside of your nose no matter how itchy or annoying the scabby area feels.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Rule #3: Use Nasal Saline Solution

Once you no longer have any gauze packing inside your nose, it is important to begin irrigating the nose with a nasal saline solution three to six times a day.

This will help to keep the nose clear, as well as relieve the drying effects that surgery can have on your nasal lining.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Rule #4: No Kissing!

One small accidental bump to the sensitive surgical area could break the nose before it heals – and cause the need for a second revision surgery. So keeping people away from your lips is important.

And this goes for kissing babies, children, or even pets for six weeks after surgery. While it sounds crazy, bumps from toddlers’ heads are actually a huge cause of breaks after rhinoplasty surgery!

Related: 14 Plastic Surgeons Reveal the Procedures They’re Considering for Themselves—and Who They’d Trust to Perform Them

Rhinoplasty Recovery Rule #5: Sleep with Your Head Elevated

Sleep on your back for the first week after surgery, with your head slightly elevated. A reclining chair or in a bed propped up on two to three pillows is ideal.

Keep your head at a higher elevation than your head will minimize fluid buildup and reduce swelling after rhinoplasty surgery.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Rule #6: No Smoking or Drinking

Smoking and drinking alcohol can interfere with the healing process after surgery. This is because smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which is essential for proper healing.

And consuming alcohol dilates the blood vessels, which can increase bleeding and bruising after rhinoplasty surgery.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Rule #7: No bending, lifting, or straining

Avoid all bending, lifting, or straining for at least three weeks after rhinoplasty surgery. Not only can these activities cause bleeding and increase swelling – but they can also increase the risk of bumping the nose before it is healed.

After three weeks, patients can typically resume light exercise and walking, as long as they are very careful.

Best Troy, MI Area Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Troy, MI board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has the experience, artistic skill and technical expertise to perform rhinoplasty surgery that will enhance your appearance and accomplish your goals.

If you live in the Troy, MI or greater Detroit area and you are considering rhinoplasty surgery, call AMAE Plastic Surgery to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali. He will offer you a consultation to assess your nasal structure, answer your questions and discuss your appearance goals.

Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men love their noses and improve their confidence with rhinoplasty surgery. Get the nose you have always wanted and be the best version of “you” that you can be!