According to a report, nearly 220,000 rhinoplasties are performed each year, making it the most frequent operation performed in the United States.
Rhinoplasty — also called nose reshaping or a nose job — is a plastic surgery procedure where a cosmetic surgeon reshapes your nose to polish its appearance. This procedure is also an excellent remedy for nasal congestion to improve breathing issues and sleep apnea symptoms.
After this procedure, patients are always excited to see the end result. However, recovery is a long process.
While this procedure has brilliant benefits, you may experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness after surgery. You need some time to recover and heal.
Below, we’ve shared some expert rhinoplasty post-op tips for faster recovery.
Rhinoplasty Surgery Recovery Timeline
On average, rhinoplasty recovery timeline and other plastic surgery procedures can take anywhere from six weeks to a year to recover.
Recovery time following a rhinoplasty surgery varies from patient to patient and depends on the complexity of the procedure.
No matter the degree of surgery performed, patients should follow a post-operative recovery process to sufficiently heal the surgery and its surrounding tissue.
Your rhinoplasty recovery time goes through the following timeline after your surgery:
· 1 week: Your nasal splint can be removed, and there will no longer be noticeable signs of surgery — unless there is bruising around the eyes. At this time, it’s safe to resume your daily activities.
· 2 weeks: Your features are likely looking sharp again. Most of the swelling has subsided, and the bruising should be gone.
· 3-4 weeks: Your doctor may advise you to gradually return to regular activities such as jogging, swimming, cycling, and other cardiovascular exercises.
· 6 weeks: By this time, the bones around your nose are already stabilized. You may resume resistance exercise, wear your glasses, and blow your nose as tolerated.
· 3-6 months: The numbness and abnormal sensations in your nose, mouth, and throat as well as your nasal skin should have all returned to normal.
· 1 year: Your nose’s recovery is complete, and its new shape is fully refined. You can move forward with all of your normal activities pain-free.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips
Rhinoplasty is one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgery procedures, but the healing process often causes anxiety in patients. Fortunately, there are some techniques you can do to shorten the healing process and enjoy the outcome immediately.
We recommend the following tips for a nose job recovery:
1. Avoid Anti-inflammatory Medications
While they may seem like a good idea, anti-inflammatory medications or prescription pain medicine such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and other over-the-counter pain relievers can interfere with the healing process.
These can make your blood vessels dilate, which increases the possibility of hemorrhaging and swelling post-surgery.
To avoid this, talk to your surgeon about proper pain management, and don’t take anything but the doctor’s prescription.
2. Use Frozen Peas To Reduce Swelling
To reduce swelling and achieve the desired end result as quickly as possible, you should apply a bag of frozen peas for three days after the rhinoplasty procedure to your cheek and nose.
The frozen peas will constrict the blood vessels surrounding the nasal area to alleviate the swelling. The less swelling there is, the faster your nose may recover — and with little residual pain.
Not a fan of the frozen peas trick? You can opt for a cold compress to minimize swelling.
Keep in mind during your recovery to keep your head elevated. This will help to reduce swelling and bruising, and it’s best to avoid lying flat for the first week or so. It is also recommended to use pillows to prop yourself up when you sleep.
3. Go for a Walk
Good circulation is the key to speedy injury recovery. If you can, get out of bed and go for a brief walk.
Light activities like this help stimulate blood flow and keep fluids moving through your body for optimal recovery. However, it’s suggested to avoid strenuous exercise.
4. Take It Easy for the First Seven to 10 Days
If you’re accustomed to being active and keeping a heavy schedule, mentally prepare to cut back on your daily activities for seven to 10 days following your rhinoplasty.
During the first few days, your nose is susceptible to bumps and injuries, so it’s important to avoid high-impact activities and limit your activity level.
5. Follow a Nutritious Diet
Studies reveal that a nutritious diet assists with recovery from surgical procedures. While certain vitamins and minerals can’t replace lost nutrients from an operation, eating nutrient-rich foods — like fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, and protein-rich food — does help your body heal quicker.
6. Follow Post-Operative Instructions
After your rhinoplasty surgery, it is normal to experience swelling and bruising during the early stages of recovery. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely to minimize complications and ensure a smooth recovery process.
If you have any concerns or questions about any of the post-operative instructions, be sure to discuss them with your doctor to ensure you understand the proper care during the rhinoplasty swelling stage.
7. Take the Recommended Time off Work
Before you get a nose job, you should prepare your mind and commit yourself to at least 10 days (possibly longer) off to give way to the healing process. A speedy recovery won’t be possible if you don’t give yourself time to rest.
Most patients can expect to return to work or school within a week or two after surgery, but it can take up to a month for all swelling and bruising to subside. You should avoid strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks after surgery.
Failing to take this recommended time off can have a negative impact on your recovery time and increase the risk of complications.
8. Avoid Spicy Foods
As your nose heals, you’ll be asked to avoid certain foods to limit irritation — especially in the first three weeks after the procedure. Strong spices such as chili powder can cause swelling and inflammation in your nose, which can delay your recovery time.
9. Attend All Scheduled Post-operative Appointments
Regular follow-up appointments are designed to ensure that you are recovering properly and to address any concerns you may have about your recovery. Even if you’re feeling good and recovering smoothly, going to these scheduled appointments helps you avoid any possible issues before they arise.
10. Limit Your Salt Intake
A high salt diet increases your body’s retention of water, which can aggravate swelling during recovery. Thus, we recommend sticking to a low- or non-salt diet such as whole fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and high fiber foods.
Proper Healing Time for Your Nose Job is a Must
While recovering from rhinoplasty is different for everyone, these tips can help shorten the length of recovery time that you have to deal with following plastic surgery.
Apply the tips above, and you’ll have nothing to worry about during your recovery period. Plus, you can enjoy the benefits as soon as possible.
In addition, rhinoplasty can be a life-changing procedure if you choose the best surgeon to guide you through the healing process.
If you want to learn more about rhinoplasty, you can always talk to us at Sadeghi Plastic Surgery. We are known for our successful rhinoplasty techniques for ultimate results! Contact us today.
In conclusion, recovering from rhinoplasty, also known as a “nose job” surgery, can be a challenging process. However, by following the 10 tips provided in this “Rhinoplasty Recovery” blog, you can speed up your recovery and minimize discomfort. These tips include following your surgeon’s post-surgical instructions, avoiding strenuous activity, and managing pain with medication. It’s important to keep in mind that every person’s recovery experience is different and it’s normal to have some pain, swelling, and bruising after the surgical procedure. By being prepared for the recovery process and following these tips, you can make your rhinoplasty recovery as smooth as possible.