Recovering from a nose job is not the most glamorous process. There will be swelling, mouth-breathing, painful absent-minded itching, and awkward sneezes. During your recovery, your nose will be more sensitive than usual, and it will be vital to take great care of it. However, your new nose will be worth it! To help you have a smooth recovery and make sure your nose heals as quickly as possible, here are some helpful tips and guidelines for our recovery process.
Ask Questions
Your plastic surgeon is your best recovery resource. Plastic surgery is as much art as science, and most surgeons have slightly different recommendations based on their experience and techniques. This is why it is important to consult with a facial plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in nose surgery and understands the intricacies of the facial anatomy. Dr. Kahlil, a board-certified plastic surgeon, will suggest ways to reduce swelling and bruising, keep scarring to a minimum, and ease sensitivity. He will also be the one to advise you on pain management, infection prevention, and what to do in the event of complications.
During your consultation, do not hesitate to ask your surgeon every question you can think of so that you are prepared and worry-free before your rhinoplasty procedure. The Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery staff advises keeping your surgeon’s phone number in a conspicuous place, like adding it to your phone contacts or sticking it on your refrigerator, so that you can get in touch with their office easily should anything arise.
Stay Hydrated
During your first week or so after your rhinoplasty, you will likely have bandaging or splints in and around your nose that could partially block your nasal airways. Until these are removed, you’ll feel congested and may have difficulty breathing through your nose. This means you’ll possibly be breathing through your mouth, which, if you’ve ever had a bad head cold, you know, can be extremely drying.
To help soothe the discomfort associated with this, it’s a good idea to stock up on Chapstick or Vaseline for your lips, and keep plenty of water or other hydrating beverages handy to prevent your throat from drying out completely. A saline nasal spray can also be used to keep the nasal passages moisturized and flush out built-up mucous to relieve nasal congestion. Rhinoplasty patients should also plan on eating soft, easy-to-chew foods during the first couple of weeks of the recovery period, since breathing through your mouth while eating is much easier said than done. However, it’s important to try and maintain a healthy diet so your body has the necessary nutrients to heal.
Avoid Injury
Your nose will be more sensitive and injury-prone after your surgery. Minor movements or contact you might take for granted, like itching or blowing your nose or drinking from a cup without a straw, may now result in a jolt of pain while your nose is still swollen or bruised. And, while bruising should fade within two weeks and initial hypersensitivity will subside in the first month, the delicate nasal bones take longer to recover, sometimes up to six months, and are more prone to injury during this time.
In the weeks leading up to your surgery, be vigilant about every time your nose is bumped. Take stock of these situations and make sure to protect your nose from potential bump threats as it heals. Heed your surgeon’s instructions about when you can resume activities like exercising or contact sports, and be extra careful around unpredictable pets or small children.
Be Patient
Although you’ll be able to see the majority of your results within four to six months, it can take a year or two for your nose to heal completely. You will continue to see small changes in scars, skin, and shape for quite some time after your surgery. Since you’ll likely be looking at your nose daily, you may not notice these changes, but it’s vital to remember that they are happening and that your results could still change without proper care.
The Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery team stresses the importance of wearing sunscreen or hats to reduce scarring and skin damage, and watching out for signs of infection or internal injury during the early stages of the healing process. It’s also fairly common to require revision surgery if something isn’t healing as expected, and your surgeon can help you determine this around the one-year mark.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
The average rhinoplasty recovery time is about six weeks until patients can resume all activities. During the first 1-2 weeks, initial swelling and discomfort are common and can be alleviated with prescription pain medication, cold compresses, and keeping your head elevated when sleeping. Facial swelling will improve significantly within the first two weeks, and patients can return to work after this time. However, strenuous exercise must be avoided for six weeks, or until you have been cleared by Dr. Andrews. Exercise can increase blood flow to the nasal area, increasing nasal swelling and potentially damaging the healing nasal tissues. Similarly, patients should be cautious about too much sun exposure.
Residual post-operative swelling that is not visible can persist for up to 18 months, but most patients will see their final results by six months. These results are long-lasting, and many patients find new confidence with their new nose.
Schedule a Consultation
Your rhinoplasty recovery can be uneventful if you work with your plastic surgeon to make sure you are prepared and taking good care of yourself as you heal. Finding a surgical team that is prepared to comfortably guide you through the process can make all the difference. For our readers in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area, you can learn more by scheduling a rhinoplasty consultation at Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic, & Reconstructive Surgery by visiting our website or calling 319-800-6877 today.
