10 Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips
When preparing for an upcoming rhinoplasty, one of the most important things you can do is research and understand what you will need to do during the recovery period. Your surgeon will give you a basic timeline and help guide you through your aftercare, but there is a lot to remember. Here are 10 recovery tips to follow after your rhinoplasty.
Follow Your Aftercare Instructions
Dr. Timothy Janiga will give you detailed instructions to follow for your recovery period, including when you can return to normal activities, what medications to take, and an estimated timeline for your recovery. Following these instructions carefully is important so you can heal properly and avoid infection or other complications.
Follow a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is an important factor in allowing your body to heal properly after surgery. Following your rhinoplasty, you should make sure you are eating a variety off fruits and vegetables and plenty of protein through foods like nuts, eggs, yogurt, fish, or meat.
Remember to Rest
Resting and getting at least seven hours of sleep are crucial to the healing process. Some patients find it difficult to fall asleep because of congestion or needing to keep their head elevated, but it’s important to prioritize sleep, especially through the first few days of your recovery process.
Listen to Your Body
While Dr. Janiga will carefully evaluate your recovery through post-op appointments, you should pay close attention to how you’re feeling throughout the process as well. If something feels wrong after your rhinoplasty, be sure to call the office or mention it at your follow-up appointment.
Use a Cold Compress
Swelling is normal after a rhinoplasty, especially for the first 2-3 days after the surgery. A cold compress applied to the cheeks and forehead—not the nose—can help alleviate swelling and discomfort.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Dr. Janiga recommends sleeping in a recliner for the first two weeks after rhinoplasty. This helps with swelling and bruising, but also prevents you from rolling over onto your nose and damaging the shape while you are sleeping. The first two weeks are essential for the nose to heal in the exact shape that Dr. Janiga has created. After the first two weeks most patients choose to sleep with their head propped up on several pillows or in a the recliner to keep their head elevated through the night for another 4 or so weeks to help with swelling.
Don’t Wear Glasses
Glasses put pressure on the nose, which can create unnecessary bruising or even leave permanent indentations in your nose while you’re healing after a rhinoplasty. This includes sunglasses and reading glasses in addition to regular prescription glasses. For the first few weeks, wear contacts instead if you can. If necessary, you may be able to wear very light frames. Ask your surgeon for advice if you plan to wear glasses through your recovery.
Wait to Exercise
It usually takes about six weeks of healing before patients are ready to return to vigorous exercise routines. Follow Dr. Janiga’s advice and wait until he approves your exercise routine after your rhinoplasty.
Do Not Blow Your Nose
It’s normal to feel congested after a rhinoplasty, but it’s important not to blow your nose for about six weeks after your surgery. Use saline nasal sprays instead. It can also be necessary to try sneezing through your mouth during this period, but of course, be careful to cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow while protecting your healing nose to avoid spreading germs.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is not advised for your health regardless, but it’s especially important to avoid tobacco for 6 weeks before surgery and as you heal. Nicotine limits your blood flow, slowing down the healing process. Please avoid smoking for an additional 6 weeks after your surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
There can be a variety of reasons as to why you’re considering a rhinoplasty. Whether it’s cosmetic or essential, it is important to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn about the risks and rewards. To learn more about if nose surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tim Janiga by calling (775) 364-0224 or requesting your appointment online.
