Tips for Recovery After a Rhinoplasty Procedure

Patients who are having a rhinoplasty performed are often excited about the results that they will receive and looking forward to their new image. However, some Orange County patients find themselves feeling apprehensive about the procedure itself as well as the recovery process. While the nose job may be a cosmetic surgery, it is still a major surgical operation. Newport Beach patients who are about to undergo a rhinoplasty will find that these tips will help them cope with the recovery process.

What are the Best Tips for the Rhinoplasty Recovery Process?

Spend the days immediately following the procedure resting with your head elevated at all times. This will help reduce the swelling and bruising immediately following the procedure. This is one of the most important steps of the healing process. Instead of laying flat in your bed overnight, rest with several pillows keeping your head elevated. If you can, sleep in a reclining chair as it will give you a more desirable level of elevation for your head.

Clean your incisions on a regular basis. A wet cotton ball or cotton swab can be used in order to gently remove any crusting from the incisions surrounding the nose. After the crusting has been removed, the antibiotic ointment that is prescribed by the doctor can be applied to the incision. This step helps to prevent infection from forming in the incisions.

Have cold compresses on hand. Ice packs are beneficial in helping you to minimize pain as well as reduce the swelling on your face. They are typically used to help minimize bruising in the 8-12 hours immediately following the operation, but they can be used to manage discomfort for several days.

If you have to blow your nose, be sure to do so gently. Many patients think that they will not be able to blow their nose at all, but this is not true. Just be careful and only blow your nose as gently as possible.

Minimize the amount of exercise that you do, and avoid strenuous exercise all together. Working out will increase your heart rate and force you to breathe harder, which can be painful and damaging to your nose. Restrict activities for at least a week, avoid contact sports for several months and gradually work up to your former exercise routine.

Follow the post-operative plan that was put in place by your surgeon, and be sure to take all medications that are prescribed to you. Your facial plastic surgeon will create a customized plan designed to specifically address your needs.

The immediate recovery process following the operation typically lasts for 7-10 days. At that point, most patients feel well enough to return to work. However, it should be noted that some swelling and bruising can linger for weeks or months at a time. It can take up to a year for the face to fully recover from the trauma of the operation, so it is recommended that patients wait until that time before evaluating their final results. Patients should discuss their own personal health and risk factors in order to determine what the recovery process will entail for them.