Are you thinking about getting a rhinoplasty? Are you ready to book your plastic surgery and want to learn more about what the recovery will be like? Here is what you can expect from your recovery from a rhinoplasty.
A rhinoplasty is a common surgical procedure that has been completed for thousands of men and women worldwide. More commonly known as a nose job, the operation can be an excellent way to boost your confidence, improve your breathing ability, and provide you with a rejuvenated, youthful facial appearance.
If you are interested in the surgery and are thinking about booking your initial consultation, it is vital to have as much information as possible. One of the most critical parts of the process of nasal surgery is the recovery period. How serious you take your recovery and how well you take care of your nose are crucial to getting the best results possible. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect immediately post-operation and what you can do at home to help your nose heal.
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What is a Rhinoplasty?
A Rhinoplasty, also known as Nasal Surgery, is more commonly known as a “Nose Job”. This is a form of cosmetic surgery that is done to improve the aesthetic appearance of the nose to enhance facial symmetry and harmony between different parts of the face. Aside from cosmetic reasons, another common reason why some people want to get a rhinoplasty is to correct impaired breathing caused by a structural abnormality in the nose or nasal cavity.
Immediately After Your Nasal Surgery
So you have decided to get nasal surgery and are wondering what to expect from your recovery period. Immediately after the surgery, your plastic surgeon will administer bandages, stitches, and possibly splints to support the nose as it heals. These will all vary depending on the specifics of your operation.
Additionally, you will likely feel very groggy and possibly nauseous as you come out of the anesthesia. This is why we recommend having somebody present with you to help you make it home once we have had a chance to examine you and ensure that you are set up for a successful recovery.
How Can I Care For Myself At Home?
Once you have made it home, the duty of a healthy recovery is on you. To assist you in your road to recovery, we have created some tips outlined in different sections below.
Looking for more information on how to prepare for recovery from cosmetic surgery? Check out our article on How to Best Prepare for Your Recovery From Plastic Surgery.
Activity
The most important aspect of your healing period is to be sure that you are getting enough rest. Too much activity can direct your body's energy away from what it should be focusing: healing. Here are some tips on what your activity levels should be like after your surgery:
- Rest as much as you can for the first two weeks
- Keep your head raised for several days after the surgery
- Avoid swimming and bathing for at least two weeks
- Do not blow your nose for at least two weeks, and avoid rubbing your nose for eight weeks
- Gradually increase your activity levels day by day at your own comfort level
- Avoid strenuous activities and exercise until your doctor has cleared you
Diet & Medicine
One of the most important, yet underappreciated, parts of your process is what you put into your body. The food, drink, and medicine that you consume will have a significant impact on how quickly and effectively your body is able to recover. Follow these diet and medicine recommendations for optimal recovery from your nasal surgery.
- Keep a simple diet that avoids foods that may upset your stomach
- It is common for bowel movements to be abnormal during the first few weeks. If you need too, take a fibre supplement to improve your bowel function
- Drink lots of water
- Follow the instructions your surgeon gave to you about your medication as closely as possible
- Talk to your doctor about when you can safely resume any medicines you paused
- Sometimes medications can be complicated. If you have any questions whatsoever, contact your Kelowna plastic surgeon to get the answers you need
Additional Instructions
In addition to diet, medicine, and activity levels, there are many other essential tips that you should follow if you want to give yourself the best chance of a successful rhinoplasty. Here are some extra pieces of advice you should follow:
- Gently wash your nose with warm water and soap once the stitches and dressings have been removed
- Use an ice pack for approximately 15 minutes every couple of hours during the first few days post-operation
- If you wear glasses, do not rest them on your nose for four weeks. If you have contact lenses, wear those instead, or use a piece of tape to affix your glasses to your face.
Contact Our Kelowna Plastic Surgery Clinic For All of Your Rhinoplasty Needs
If you are interested in learning more about nasal surgery, how to recover from cosmetic surgery, or are interested in booking an initial consultation for your plastic surgery needs, our team is ready and waiting to help. You can contact us by calling 250-868-9099 or by filling in our online contact form.
FAQ’s
Q: How long does the complete recovery process take for a rhinoplasty?
Most people are able to return to their everyday life approximately six weeks after a rhinoplasty. After six months to a year, your nose should return to its normal sensation, and the shape should be completely refined.
Q: How long does a rhinoplasty procedure take?
Generally, a rhinoplasty should take between 1-3 hours. This depends on the specifics of the nose job. During the surgery, the patient is under a general anesthetic for the entire duration.
Q: Are nose jobs painful?
Nasal surgery is known as a relatively pain-free surgical procedure. During the surgery, you will feel no pain due to the anesthetic. However, some patients report some soreness and tenderness in their nose and sinuses. These are easily mitigated through prescribed painkillers.
