Activity After Rhinoplasty Surgery

As a board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Sadati feels that medical professionals have a responsibility to educate patients about the cosmetic surgery experience. Recently, Dr. Sadati published a tip sheet on his blog about the types of activities that patients can and cannot participate in after their rhinoplasty procedure.

“I believe patients should be prepared for the recovery process prior to their operation as this helps them to have established realistic expectation of their personal future and sense of new life immediately after the surgery is complete,” informed Dr. Sadati.

All rhinoplasty patients must understand that there will be several limitations placed on them during their recovery; they will also need to invest a large amount of personal control in order to achieve the best possible results. The average patient spends 7-10 days recovering from a nose job, and during this time it is important that they follow all guidelines and instructions provided to them by their surgeon. In the blog, Dr. Sadati provides the following tips for patients regarding their activity level after their operation.

Patients should not drive or operate a vehicle for at least 24 hours after their operation. It takes at least 24 hours for all of the pain medications and anesthetics to wear off after the surgery is complete. It is not safe to drive during this period.

All patients should sleep with their heads elevated for several days after the surgery. Dr. Sadati usually recommends that patients sleep in a reclining chair because it is easiest and most convenient manner to rest comfortably and stay elevated for optimum research.

There will be drainage in the nose, but it’s crucial that patients avoid blowing their nose during their recovery. Patients who need to relieve the drainage in their nose should gently sniff backwards instead. This will protect the sensitive structure of the nose.

Most patients are placed under a 10-pound weight limit. Patients should not lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds, including their children.

Patients should limit their sexual activity while they recover. It is important to spend the recovery period resting and relaxing, and sexual activities could put too much strain on the nasal structure.

Every effort should be made to avoid straining the body or face. Patients can damage the results of their surgery and injure their nose from any type of physical activity.

Patients are welcome to walk as often as they want after the surgery, but they should not run or participate in aerobic exercise routines.

“While patients may desire to continue in their daily routines or activities which may involve tasks such as their jobs or working out, it is essential that they take the time they need to rest and recover. If they do not rest, they may easily hinder or deter the recovery process. This will ensure they get the best results from their rhinoplasty procedure,” explained Dr. Sadati.

Dr. Sadati works with patients throughout Newport Beach and Orange County and has more than 10 years of experience as a cosmetic surgeon. He specializes in facial plastic surgery procedures, such as facelift and rhinoplasty. Through customized treatment plans, Dr. Sadati is able to provide each patient with results that are tailored specifically to their needs. His goal is to provide each patient with a natural-looking nose.

Patients who are interested in this procedure are welcome to set up a free consultation with Dr. Sadati. For more information on activity restrictions and the importance of rest during the recovery process, contact Dr. Sadati’s office today.