Rhinoplasty, like other surgical procedures, requires a lot of care in the period following your surgery. This is to prevent further complications, improve results and hasten recovery. Most experts advise at least four weeks of recovery, though you should follow your physician’s recommendation.
Firstly, let’s start with some expected side effects of rhinoplasty. It is normal for the nose and surrounding areas to be swollen. You can also get headaches, pain, nausea, numbness, difficulty breathing, and nosebleeds. Our specialists at Nova Rhinoplasty will give you tips to improve your recovery. Most symptoms, like nosebleeds, should subside within 1-3 weeks. Others, like the swelling, might take much longer. Following are some things you should and should not do during your recovery.
Have Plenty Of Rest
Rest can significantly improve your recovery rate after rhinoplasty. Taking at least a week off work is recommended to avoid strenuous activities that can affect the healing process.
Use Cold Compresses
Applying cold compresses to your nose will constrict the blood vessels, helping reduce swelling and pain. For the first three days, you should use the compresses for 10-20 minutes, every 1-2 hours (during the day). A bag of frozen peas or corn is very effective since it takes the shape of your face.
Engage In Light Activities
Even though you should rest well after your surgery, you shouldn’t be dormant. Light activities like walking help blood circulation and put you on the road to a speedy recovery. Avoid activities like cycling, swimming, and other vigorous activities that can cause injuries to the nose.
Monitor Your Diet
Diet is very important during recovery from rhinoplasty. As always, choose nutritious foods with plenty of minerals and vitamins. Zinc is also proven to aid healing. You should avoid large foods that require you to open your mouth widely as this can cause some installations to shift and negatively impact recovery. Also, do not take spicy foods since they irritate the sinuses and can worsen the swelling. You should limit salt intake since sodium increases fluid retention, increasing swelling. Most importantly, always follow your doctor’s dietary advice.
Stick To Your Physician's Drug Recommendations
You should avoid using drugs without consulting your doctor. Some common household drugs can disrupt the healing process or even cause more complications. For example, aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs increase bleeding since they dilate the blood vessels.
Tell your physician if you’re on any medications and also before you start using any new drugs. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you, take the full course (do not stop taking them even if you feel better).
Be Careful With Your Nose
The statement above might seem obvious, but you must be extremely careful and avoid anything that can injure your nose. Firstly, monitor your sleeping position. Using a pillow or two, you should sleep with your head raised for the first few days. You should not lie facedown or on your side for the first two weeks.
Also, do not blow your nose during the first couple of weeks. You can clean your nose gently with moist tissues or cotton buds and squeeze your nose gently if it itches. If you use glasses, fix a piece of tape on the bridge and stick it on your forehead, but do not rest it on your nose until you’re instructed to do so. It would be best if you sneezed with your mouth open.
The period immediately following rhinoplasty (or any other surgery for that matter) is critical to your recovery and the final results. At Nova Rhinoplasty, you get top-notch follow-up services to facilitate quick recovery. If you develop any complications or have questions, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.