Navigating the Healing Process: A Comprehensive Look at Rhinoplasty Aftercare

Rhinoplasty is a surgical process to reshape the nose. A skilled doctor cuts, repositions, adds and/or subtracts bones and cartilage until desired changes have been achieved.

At three weeks post-rhinoplasty, most of the swelling should have subsided significantly and any bruises should have faded significantly; additionally, your new nose shape should become more apparent.

Sleep with your head elevated using pillows or recliner chairs to expedite healing by reducing swelling, bruising and congestion. This may speed the recovery process.

Swelling

Your experience after having a nose surgery could involve swelling. In these instances, rest is key and staying hydrated through drinking plenty of water as well as eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals while limiting sodium-rich meals to decrease fluid retention and swelling.

Your doctor may place a small plastic splint over your nose to reduce swelling and maintain its new shape while you heal. He or she may also place cotton gauze inside each nostril to absorb drainage or mucus; be sure to change out this cotton gauze periodically as directed by your surgeon.

At one week post-rhinoplasty, most of the swelling will have subsided significantly and your new nose shape should be visible clearly; some minor bruising may still exist around your eyes and mouth, though over time this should fade into yellow-greenish tones and eventually vanish completely.

Bruising

Swelling and bruising are common side effects of any Rhinoplasty surgery, but especially bothersome following nose surgery. Rest and application of cold compresses will help reduce swelling while speeding the recovery process.

By this time, most of the bruising should have subsided, and you should be able to resume resistance training, contact sports, and wearing glasses. Any congestion caused by swollen nasal passages should also subside, though you may still experience mild congestion which can be alleviated with washing with a saline spray three or four times each day.

Sleeping with your head elevated will also help reduce swelling and speed up healing time. Although it may take some getting used to, many patients opt for using a pillow wedge or stacking multiple pillows at night as support during this transition period. After several months all residual swelling should have subsided completely and your new nose should look fully refined.

Pain

Rhinoplasty nose surgery should be approached with great caution. If you decide to undergo this process, follow your surgeon’s advice regarding recovery as best you can and avoid activities that could harm the nose while healing occurs.

By the second week, most swelling should have subsided and any remaining bruises should have faded, enabling most patients to resume their regular lives with no need for additional office treatments.

Undergoing rhinoplasty surgery takes up to one year for your nose to recover fully, and some minor swelling may persist for some time after. To reduce further swollen tissue from worsening during this time, avoid blowing your nose for as long as possible and use saline nasal spray regularly to moisten nasal passages and moisturize them as much as possible. When you sneeze try not using your nose but rather your mouth so as not to put pressure on fragile tissue.

Recovery

Patients recovering from rhinoplasty surgery should avoid anything that puts pressure on the nose during recovery, including sunglasses, contact lenses and other types of glasses that might increase bruising or swelling. They should also not smoke before or after their procedure as smoking restricts blood flow to reduce complications and risk.

Rest is key for recovery, says our plastic surgeon. Sleeping with your head elevated helps reduce swelling and bruising; to do this use pillows or a recliner. Furthermore, patients should refrain from bending over or lifting as these activities can increase bleeding and swelling.

Conclusion

Rhinoplasty is an increasingly popular nose-reshaping surgery that can alter its shape and proportions, repair injuries or birth defects, or correct breathing issues caused by deviated septum deviation. While swelling generally subsides within days or weeks following surgery, full healing could take up to one year due to how your body responds to surgery.