Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
A “nose job,” or rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the bone or of the nose is modified to alter its appearance. In terms of plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasties are the most common. Having a nose job can help you attain more pleasing facial proportions or harmony if you're unsatisfied with the appearance of your nose. Although minor, rhinoplasty is a serious procedure that requires several weeks of recuperation time afterwards. It can take up to a year for this swelling to diminish, even though most of the healing occurs during the first three months of the treatment.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Week by Week
Week 1
You should expect some pain and discomfort in the first few days following a nose job. You can't be able to breathe via the nose since it will be bandaged with an exterior splint, and you could have an interior splint and packing in your nostrils as well. Swelling or bruising is to be expected at this point. After your facial cosmetic surgeon takes off the splint or any packing, you should start to feel better by the end of the week.
Week 2
If you wait until the second week after your surgery, you won't be able to tell you had a nose job. Your return to work may be possible at this stage, but you must refrain from heavy lifting and intense activities. Because your skin will be extremely sensitive following a nose job, you should restrict your time in the sun.
Month 1
After a month of post-operative rehabilitation, the majority of rhinoplasty patients seem and feel normal again. Your nose may still be swollen, particularly at its tip. However, the first surgical outcomes will now be visible to you. Mild physical exertion and wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses should be possible at this time.
Months 2 – 3
As your swelling goes down, you will notice that your nose looks better and better each day. You're almost completely better at this point, so you can go back to most of your normal activities. You still have to stay away from contact sports, though.
Months 6 – 12
You can return to contact sports after just a six-month recovery period. At this stage, the nasal swelling is resolved for most patients, but it will be at least a year before it is completely gone. The nose will be fully healed, and you will be able to witness the final results at that point.
It's possible to alter the size and shape of the nose through rhinoplasty, bringing it into line with your other facial features. An experienced and trained facial plastic surgeon must be used for any nose job.
How fast can this timeframe be accelerated? Plastic surgery recovery can be made much easier by following simple tips.
Tips for Facilitating the Rhinoplasty Recovery Time
Listen to the Doctor
The most important thing is to follow your doctor's advice. If you want to learn more about rhinoplasty recovery, nothing beats what you'll learn from a facial plastic surgeon. After the surgery, you will be given detailed instructions on how to manage the surgical site in order to prevent infection, as well as when to return for a follow-up exam.
Keep the Head Elevated
After having rhinoplasty, sleeping on the side is not only painful, but it can also lengthen the amount of time it takes for you to recuperate since it causes more bruising and swelling. Even more terrifying is the fact that it can shift your nose. To prevent this, you will need to sleep with your head raised for the first six weeks after surgery. Using a foam wedge or propping your head up on some cushions is one of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this. It's also a good idea to try resting in a recliner.
Use Cold Compresses
Utilizing a cold compress within the first three days following surgery can assist in the reduction of swelling. It is important to note that you should not put the compress straight to your nose. Instead, rub it into your cheeks to avoid accidentally moving any bones and cartilage in the process.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
By providing your body with the nutrition, it needs to mend itself, eating a diet that is balanced after surgery can assist in speeding up the recovery from the procedure. Protein is a key component in the construction of skin, muscles, cartilage, and blood, among other tissues. Your body will be better able to repair your damaged tissue if you consume a diet high in protein and includes foods like nuts, beef, eggs, yogurt, fish, or other types of seafood.
You should also ensure that you are obtaining sufficient vitamins in the diet, particularly vitamin A or C. It is an excellent immune booster for helping you fight off infections following surgery. Vitamin A is often found in dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for producing collagen, a protein that helps hold your skin's connective tissues together.
Avoid Blowing Your Nose
You will likely feel congested for a few weeks or perhaps months following surgery. Swollen nasal tissues are to blame for this discomfort. Consult a doctor about using saline nasal sprays to moisten your nasal passages gradually until your swelling goes down, instead of blowing your nose. After six weeks of recovery after surgery, you can begin blowing your nose again.
Sneezing through the nose is worse than sneezing through the mouth. It may sound horrible, but the alternative is more painful rhinoplasty and a longer recovery period.
Don't Wear Glasses
Sunglasses, prescription glasses and anything that exerts pressure on the nose while it heals might create extra bruising, swelling, and indentations that will need revision rhinoplasty later. The facial plastic surgeon should counsel you when it is safe to resume wearing glasses. Meanwhile, if possible, switch to contacts. If you can't, wear the light frames and only when completely essential. If glasses are required, they can be worn on the nose beneath them.
