How to ensure a speedy and smooth Rhinoplasty Recovery?
Your nose is one of the most important features of your face. So, it is not surprising that you would want to get the best results, as soon as possible after your Rhinoplasty. You are about to embark on a beautiful journey that will hopefully, result in more confidence and satisfaction with your nose job.
But like any surgery, there is a recovery period that must be taken seriously in order to ensure successful results. In this blog post, we will talk about all the post-operative instructions, you should follow for a successful Rhinoplasty Recovery. These aftercare tips can help speed up the process and minimize discomfort.
What to expect immediately following your Rhinoplasty:
Following your Rhinoplasty Surgery, you may be wondering what to expect immediately following the procedure. Here is a look at what to expect in the first few week’s post-surgery:
- Once your surgery is completed, you will be wearing a nasal splint along the bridge of your nose as a form of protection. It will be removed after 1 week depending on your surgeon’s instructions.
- Swelling and bruising after surgery is normal and should subside over the next 3-6 weeks.
- It is recommended to apply a cold pack to your face within the first 24-48 hours after surgery to help reduce swelling and bruising.
- Although nasal haemorrhage is uncommon; However, if they occur remain calm, apply a cold compress on the nose and rest for 30 minutes. If bleeding does not stop immediately, call us for advice.
How to clean your nose after Rhinoplasty?
Cleaning your nose after Rhinoplasty is important but if you do not follow your surgeon’s prescribed methods, you may end up damaging the healing tissues. Here are few tips, on how to clean your nose after surgery:
- In general, the nurse will remove your nasal splint at your 7-day follow-up appointment. After the splint is removed, you may clean each nostril with a cotton tip bud to the external nostrils only. Do not stick the cotton bud up your nose.
- Sterimar nasal spray can be used 3-6 times daily to keep your nose clean. As a result, the nasal passages will remain clean and clear.
- To reduce congestion and clear up your blocked nose, you can use otrivine spray
- To get rid of blood crusts, scabs and minor infections, Naseptin cream should be applied twice a day for 2 weeks.
How painful is Rhinoplasty Recovery?
It is normal to experience some pain after your surgery. However, your surgeon will prescribe medicine to help relieve your pain. The use of pain medication that contains codeine can cause constipation and bloat. so, you should discontinue taking it when your pain subsides.
When you become constipated, take senna or similar over-the-counter medications. You should take bromelain capsules for 1-2 weeks post-operation, to help relieve your sinus problems and reduce inflammation. Also, make sure you finish your antibiotic course as prescribed to reduce your infection risk.
Your nurse will prescribe a nasal massage following your splint removal to reduce swelling and pain. It involves pinching the skin off your nose bridge and gliding it, side to side 3-4 times twice daily for 3 weeks. Skin can become stuck along the bridge of your nose if you do not do this, causing puckering and poor cosmetic appearance. So, it is highly recommended to follow the above procedure gently without fail.
9 simple tips to speed up your Rhinoplasty Recovery:
After your Rhinoplasty surgery, it is essential that you follow all the post-operative instructions given to you, by your surgeon. These aftercare tips can help speed up the recovery process and minimize discomfort. Here are some of the factors to keep in mind for a smooth recovery:
Rest and Relax: It is important to take it easy and rest for the first few days after your surgery. Take some time off from work and avoid any strenuous activity for at least 10 weeks. This will help your body heal and reduce swelling.
Sleep with Your Head Elevated: Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce swelling and congestion. Sleeping in a recliner chair or using a wedge pillow is recommended.
Eat Healthy Foods: Eating healthy foods helps promote healing. Avoiding salty foods can also help reduce swelling. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein-rich diet in the weeks, following your Rhinoplasty procedure. Make pineapple juice a part of your daily routine.
Avoid wearing glasses: You should avoid wearing glasses for at least 6 weeks, as the pressure it puts on your nose can cause permanent damage to your nasal structures. You can switch to contact lens if needed.
Do not blow your nose: It is important to avoid blowing your nose or putting any pressure on your nose for the first few weeks following surgery, as this could disrupt the healing process.
Stay out of the sun: Do not sunbathe or use sun beds at least for 12 weeks. Cover the scars from sun and sunbeds for 1-year post-operation and apply total sun block, if exposed to sunlight.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of infection. You should refrain from smoking for at least 3 months after surgery to ensure a smooth recovery.
Don’t bump your nose: It is important to be careful and avoid bumping your nose against any sharp objects. Doing so, could potentially spoil the cosmetic results of your surgery. It is also a good idea to stay away from pets and any sharp objects that could impact your nose.
Do not miss out on follow-up appointments: It is very important to attend all your post-operative appointments. By doing so, you are allowing your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and ensure that everything is going as planned. If you miss an appointment, be sure to reschedule as soon as possible.
When to call for an emergency?
The following symptoms should be observed in case of a medical emergency. You should dial 999 immediately, if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden chest pain
- Sudden bleeding
- Spike in body temperature
- Signs of DVT such as calf pain and swelling
To wrap up, after your Rhinoplasty Surgery, it is important to follow these aftercare tips for a successful rhinoplasty! By following these simple tips, you can help your recovery, go as smooth as possible. If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery, be sure to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Deemesh Oudit. Give us a call on 0161 989 1234 for further information.
Posted on : August 1, 2022