Have you been considering rhinoplasty and finally decided there’s no time like the present to schedule your procedure? Maybe you’ve researched what it can do to improve breathing, how old you have to be to undergo the procedure, and how long it takes to heal, but now you want some more information about what happens during rhinoplasty recovery. The rhinoplasty recovery process can feel a bit overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make it so much easier. In this blog, we’ll go over some essential tips for managing rhinoplasty recovery, including do’s and don’ts as you heal and when you can get back to your regular routine.
Table of Contents
- What Is Rhinoplasty?
- Do’s and Don’ts for a Comfortable Rhinoplasty Recovery
- How to Manage Swelling, Bruising, and Discomfort After Rhinoplasty
- When Can I Return to My Daily Activities After Rhinoplasty?
- Common Rhinoplasty Side Effects
- Learn More About Rhinoplasty Surgery and Recovery in Sacramento, CA
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also called a “nose job” or nose reshaping surgery, is a procedure used to enhance both the aesthetics and function of your nose. Whether you want to refine the shape of your nose for cosmetic reasons, repair problems from an injury, or address breathing issues, a rhinoplasty can be life-changing. Not only because it can boost your confidence but because it can correct functional concerns like a deviated septum or chronic congestion, vastly improving your quality of life.
Whether you’ve chosen rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons or to improve breathing, understanding what to expect as you recover and how to maximize that recovery can help you achieve optimal results.
Do’s and Don’ts for a Comfortable Rhinoplasty Recovery
Dr. Shahriar Mabourakh will provide detailed instructions for your rhinoplasty recovery, but below are some quick tips to keep in mind.
DO
- Follow Dr. Mabourakh’s post-operative instructions carefully, including attending all follow-up appointments
- Keep your head elevated (even while sleeping) to reduce swelling
- Apply cold compresses around (but not directly on) your nose to alleviate pain and minimize bruising and swelling
- Take prescribed and over-the-counter medications as instructed to manage discomfort and prevent infection
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods to support the healing process
DON’T
- Touch, blow, or put pressure on your nose during your rhinoplasty recovery
- Wear prescription glasses, readers, or sunglasses that rest on your nose until Dr. Mabourakh clears you
- Engage in strenuous exercise or other activities that could increase your blood pressure and cause additional swelling
- Expose your healing nose to direct sunlight, as this can cause prolonged swelling or discoloration
- Use nicotine or drink alcohol, as they can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of developing complications
Now that you know some do’s and don’ts of your rhinoplasty recovery, we’ll dive a little deeper into why some are especially essential.
How to Manage Swelling, Bruising, and Discomfort After Rhinoplasty
Swelling and bruising around your eyes and nose are a fact of life after rhinoplasty surgery, typically peaking within the first 48 hours and gradually subsiding over the following weeks. To help alleviate these symptoms, you can use cold compresses and sleep with your head elevated, as mentioned above; however, additional ways to minimize swelling and bruising include:
- Avoiding salty foods, which can contribute to fluid retention and prolong swelling
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and nuts
- Take pain relievers as directed, BUT avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which can increase your bleeding risks
If bruising or swelling seems excessive or worsens instead of improving, contact Dr. Mabourakh’s office as soon as possible.
When Can I Return to My Daily Activities After Rhinoplasty?
One of the most common questions rhinoplasty patients ask is when they can return to their regular routine. You can generally return to work within three to five days after surgery, as long as your job isn’t strenuous and you can work comfortably.
If you wear glasses (for work or otherwise), this may affect your timeline for returning to certain activities, as you will likely need to wait a month or more to resume wearing glasses to avoid putting pressure on your healing nose.
You will gradually be able to resume exercise, as light walking a few days after recovery is encouraged to stimulate circulation and help prevent blood clots. However, lifting anything heavy, bending over, and strenuous cardio must be avoided for at least two to three weeks after your rhinoplasty. Contact sports and vigorous exercise should also be avoided for at least six weeks or until Dr. Mabourakh clears you.
Common Rhinoplasty Side Effects
Common side effects after rhinoplasty surgery include swelling and bruising, mild to moderate discomfort, a stuffy nose or congestion due to internal swelling, and a temporary change in sensation around your nose. And while these side effects are common and will resolve on their own, you should contact Dr. Mabourakh’s office immediately if you experience:
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying light pressure
- Severe or worsening pain that isn’t relieved by medication
- Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or unusual redness around the incision site
- Difficulty breathing that isn’t due to normal post-op congestion
- Sudden changes in the shape or symmetry of your nose
Learn More About Rhinoplasty Surgery and Recovery in Sacramento, CA
While rhinoplasty recovery often takes patience, it’s definitely manageable—especially when you know what to expect and trust the process. Healing takes time, but before you know it, you’ll be admiring your new nose in the mirror.
The best thing you can do to ensure optimal rhinoplasty results is to choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure, like Dr. Shahriar Mabourakh. To learn more about rhinoplasty surgery, results, and recovery, schedule a consultation today by calling our Folsom office at (916) 984-8585, our Stockton office at (209) 464-5656, or by completing our online contact form.
