Nose surgery, clinically known as rhinoplasty, is one of the most complex surgical processes. Its main objective is to completely reshape or modify the nose, either for aesthetic purposes or to improve its functionality.
Although its benefits are many and varied, nose surgery has a handicap: the postoperative period. Next, at FastlyHeal, we talk about postoperative care and recovery from rhinoplasty, one of the critical moments that will allow you to obtain the best results.
Table of Contents
What is a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is a surgical intervention whose objective is to modify the nose. This operation has two main benefits: aesthetic and functional since it is a routine operation for those who wish to:
- Correct imperfections
- Soften features
- Correct the profile
- Modify the nose completely
- Remove deformities
Rhinoplasty is a frequent operation that many people resort to. However, it is an intervention with medium or long-term results and requires specific care if optimal recovery is desired.
Of course, if you are thinking of having a rhinoplasty, we recommend that you go to an experienced center to ensure good results.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
The hours after the operation are crucial to being able to recover correctly and achieve the best rhinoplasty results. While it is true that patients can soon carry out some of their usual tasks after surgery (just a day or two later), it will still be a few weeks before they can return to utterly everyday life and begin to appreciate the first results.
Swelling in the postoperative period of rhinoplasty
After 24 hours of having performed a rhinoplasty, the patient will find a swollen face and will perceive discomfort, nasal obstruction, or headache. These symptoms are prevalent and frequent but can be treated with pain relievers or decongestants.
However, the key to the following hours after rhinoplasty requires rest and keeping the head elevated, so it is recommended to stay in bed during the first postoperative day.
Bruising around the eye, as well as swelling, is also a typical symptom that will increase during the first two or three days after the operation but will disappear on its own in a couple of weeks.
Bleeding after rhinoplasty
Another aspect that you should take into account during the postoperative period is the bleeding that can occur; that is, do not panic if you see that your nose is bleeding, as it is normal. In this sense, it is recommended not to blow your nose forcefully for a week to allow the tissues to heal correctly.
If you wear plugs in your nose or a cast, always depending on the type of rhinoplasty performed, you should know that the first will be removed in a couple of days, while the second will be removed after one or two weeks. While you have the plugs in your nose or the cast, you should breathe through your mouth.
Before and after rhinoplasty
After a rhinoplasty, you will notice a before and after. You usually feel bad during the postoperative period, but you should not worry about your appearance, even if your face is too swollen or bruised.
As the days go by, your face will get better and better and your mood with it. However, you should be aware that the operation results will take a few more weeks to become visible.
Tips for the postoperative period of rhinoplasty
If you want the rhinoplasty results to be perfect, you must carry out specific care during your recovery. Follow the instructions of the surgeon or the specialist doctor handling your case so that the postoperative period is peaceful and the results of the intervention are successful. Here are some common tips and recommendations:
- Follow the doctor’s instructions: take the medicines prescribed by the doctor to reduce pain and discomfort (analgesics and decongestants).
- Do not speak or gesture: try to talk as little as possible during the first recovery days. Likewise, avoid gesturing with the face, laughing, or crying not to interrupt the settlement of the tissues.
- Do not make the physical effort: avoid physical effort or all those activities that require contact during the first days. Avoid doing certain household chores, having sex, or playing sports such as running or swimming during the postoperative period. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to normal in this regard.
- Do not chew or eat hot things: try to eat foods that are not very hot and do not require much chewing.
- Do not drink alcohol: You will not be able to drink alcohol during the first two weeks of recovery.
- Do not smoke: smoking is prohibited during the first months after rhinoplasty since healing could be affected. Also, avoid being a passive smoker as much as possible.
- Do not expose yourself to the sun: do not sunbathe during the first months and avoid exposure to cold climates or wind.
- Be careful with glasses: you should do it carefully if you wear glasses. Ask your doctor for authorization to wear contact lenses during the first days to avoid the weight of the glasses on the nose.
- Do not blow your nose: avoid blowing your nose forcefully, and, if you want to sneeze, try to do it with your mouth open.
- Sleep on your back: always do it on your back at bedtime. Avoid lying on your side or with your nose on the pillow for the first few days.
These are the most common tips you should follow if you have a rhinoplasty. However, you must consult with your doctor about the measures you should take to carry out a proper recovery and not intervene in the settlement and healing process. Only by attending to care and recovery will you achieve successful results after undergoing rhinoplasty.
Now that you have read this article on rhinoplasty postoperative care and recovery, you may also be interested in this other FastlyHealarticle on Bichectomy: what it is, results and risks.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any kind of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Rhinoplasty Postoperative Care and Recovery, we recommend that you enter our Aesthetic Treatments category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.