Rhinoplasty Recovery: What to expect and How to Manage?

05 Apr 2023

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Rhinoplasty, also known as nose reshaping or nose job is one of the most common plastic surgery operations. Rhinoplasty recovery is the final part of the rhinoplasty operation. The longness of that time varies from patient to patient.

After your rhinoplasty operation, you are requested to follow some medical instructions given by your surgeon. To quicken the recovery, you should completely carry out these instructions. The instructions are essential to achieve a good result.

In this article, we will look closer at the post-rhinoplasty operation period and learn about some milestones on the road to a successful rhinoplasty recovery. This article will also mention some tips and strategies for full rhinoplasty recovery.

Introduction to Rhinoplasty Recovery

Rhinoplasty recovery is as important as the operation itself and must be carried out with close attention by the patient, surgeon, and other medical staff.

After the rhinoplasty operation, you will have some “dos” and “dont’s”, like,

Do not have a bath with hot water,
Do sleep on your back to reduce swelling and bruising on and around your nose,
Do avoid dust and smoke,
Do not start strenuous exercises,
Do not perform contact sports before four-six weeks.

The Initial Post-Operative Stage: What to Expect

During the rhinoplasty operation, a plastic splint is placed on your nose to maintain its new shape. You live with that split for one or two weeks period. In three weeks, you will be able to start working again. After four-six weeks from the operation date, color changes and bruising occurs around your nose, as it starts healing. After four months, the swelling will almost disappear.

Managing Pain and Discomfort: Tips and Medications

After the rhinoplasty operation, in the first week, pain and swelling are in their predominant period, but week after week as the right steps are taken, you will feel discomfort is reducing. Between three months-a year period, you will still be feeling your nose healing day by day.

a woman during rhinoplasty operation

Some common advice to manage pain and discomfort can be lined up as below:

Do not lift heavy stuff in the house or after three weeks, when you are allowed to work, in the office.
You should protect yourself from sun exposure.
If you have to wear glasses, do not put a lot of pressure on the bridge of your nose.

Dealing with Swelling and Bruising: Strategies for Recovery

The most common side effects of Rhinoplasty operation are:

A blocked nose. You must breathe through your mouth for a week.
Soreness.
Swelling and minor bruising around eyes.
Numbness in the nose.
Light nosebleeds.
A stiff and numb nose.

Do not concern about them, they will disappear in time.

However, If you feel uncomfortable, or have other side effects like difficulty in breathing, fever, an allergic reaction to the anesthetic, or uncontrolled bleeding, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon directly and ask for further advice about your situation.

The Importance of Following Post-Operative Care Instructions

The day you decide to have a rhinoplasty operation, you should know it will be a long-running dedication. When you reach the post-operational stage, you are like a marathon athlete entering the stadium. So, focus even more on the last meters. You need a bit more concentration to climb the podium. Before and after the operation, think as a team with your surgeon and the other care staff. You will win the gold medal.

Navigating the Emotional Aspects of Rhinoplasty Recovery

To avoid any disappointment, do not expect to heal immediately and always bear in mind that factors like the size of the nose, skin differences, and age are important for the final level which is the rhinoplasty recovery.

a woman undergoing rhinoplasty surgery

The important point is not to forget that surgery is not a miracle to solve every emotional, social, or any other sort of problems in your personal life. You should see a rhinoplasty operation as a step toward a healthier life. If you feel healthier, surely it will help you to solve any other life matters easier than before.

Returning to Daily Activities and Long-Term Results

There are two main reasons that people consider a rhinoplasty operation: cosmetic and medical. In both cases, as people spend their precious time and money, they like to have the best results after the Rhinoplasty operation and go back to their daily life activities as soon as possible.

Most people start doing most of their daily life activities right after one week. However, it can take about a year to have a full recovery after the operation.

Even one year after the rhinoplasty operation, minor swelling can be seen. After the swelling disappears completely, you will be able to see the final result of your rhinoplasty operation.

Rhinoplasty Recovery: What to Expect and How to Manage?