Rhinoplasty is surgery that balances facial features and makes patients feel more confident in their appearance. Rhinoplasty can be both an aesthetic and functional procedure. In some cases, it can be used to improve breathing that is difficult due to anatomical abnormalities.
Before undergoing this surgical procedure, you should be aware of what post-operative care you need to follow as the recovery time is up to 1 year. With this article, we aim to inform you how you can ensure a successful, painless and quick recovery.
7 tips and guidelines for recovery after rhinoplasty
Get more rest
Post-operative discomfort may prevent you from sleeping soundly, but it’s still important to get enough rest. Your body needs this to start recovering fully. During sleep, try to keep your head elevated to reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Rest also means not exerting yourself too physically – especially lifting weights, until at least 8 weeks after surgery, as such exercise would impair tissue healing.
Don’t blow your nose
You will probably feel your nose stuffy for a while after surgery and will need to blow it constantly, but try to refrain. A doctor’s recommendation is not to blow your nose or use earplugs in order to unclog it for 3 weeks after surgery. For proper healing, instill saline solution prescribed by your doctor every 2 hours for 2 instillations in each nostril. Gently use nasal wipes to soak up leaking secretions as needed.
Avoid smoking
If you’re a smoker, you won’t like this advice, but abstaining from smoking is important for your full recovery. Smoking can significantly slow down the healing process, increasing the risk of complications. The hiatus can last a minimum of 4 months or until your surgeon gives you the all clear.
Maintain a healthy diet
You may be wondering what does diet have to do with healing after rhinoplasty? A balanced diet will help speed up the recovery process by giving your body the nutrients it needs. Protein and vitamin intake are especially important for this period. In this article you can read in more detail which are the appropriate vitamins and minerals to take after surgery. Regarding diet, we recommend that you avoid caffeine, herbal teas, carbonated beverages and alcohol for 6-8 weeks after rhinoplasty. Instead, take 3 liters of water per day.
Do not expose yourself to the sun
While recovering from rhinoplasty, it’s a good idea to avoid too much standing in the sun, as it can increase swelling and cause scarring. When you do need to go outside, make sure you wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. In addition to standing in the sun, it is also advisable to avoid sunbathing, tanning beds, sauna and steam bath for 8 weeks for primary rhinoplasty and 12 weeks for revision rhinoplasty. The reason is that prolonged exposure to heat can increase swelling.
Do not wear glasses temporarily
Do not wear glasses for at least five weeks while recovering from the procedure. This is imperative as glasses can cause additional pressure on the affected area. The nasal bones are dislocated and it is important to give them time to heal and stabilize before applying any pressure.
Additional tips
- Be patient. Don’t worry too much about temporary swelling or asymmetry. Recovery after rhinoplasty is a process that takes time. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely and give your nose enough time to fully recover. Remember that the final result will be visible after a few months.
- Communicate with your surgeon. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns. He is the most knowledgeable person who can give you information about your recovery and reassure you if needed.
Frequently asked questions related to recovery after rhinoplasty
#1 Is it normal to have bruising after surgery?
Yes, bruising is normal after rhinoplasty. They will gradually resolve within 10 days or a little more after surgery.
#2 Is it normal to feel faint, nauseous or sick after surgery?
It is quite normal to feel uncomfortable, nauseated or unwell after rhinoplasty. These symptoms are common and temporary, usually resolving within a few days.
#3 Is it normal to see severe asymmetry the first few days after surgery?
Swelling after rhinoplasty drops off unevenly. You may notice asymmetry at first, but over time (at least a few months) the swelling will resorb completely and you will be able to see the final result.
#4 Нормално ли е върхът на носа ми да изглежда прекалено повдигнат?
A raised nasal tip can be due to edema. The tip of the nose usually drops last, so more patience will be needed to see the final result in the recovery period.
Choose the best clinic for rhinoplasty with Via Clinics
If you are interested in rhinoplasty, procedures and treatments and are currently considering what steps to take, Via Clinics is here to assist you. Not only will we help you choose the right clinic and surgeon, but we’ll take care of all the arrangements to save you time, effort, and stress. Our team of professionals will provide you with a personalized consultation to understand your needs, wants and expectations. We will take care of all aspects of your trip including flight bookings, hotel accommodation, transfers and visa procedures. We will support you throughout the process, from initial consultation to post-operative recovery, providing emotional support and answering all your questions.
