You’ve just gotten rhinoplasty surgery, but before you’re able to unveil your new nose, you’ll need to recover from the surgery. A nose reshaping is a delicate procedure involving the alteration of bone, cartilage, and soft body tissues; because of this, the rhinoplasty recovery process takes time and effort on your part and the part of the surgeon.
Immediately after your rhinoplasty, your surgeon will have to make sure the newly reshaped tissues hold to their improved contours. To do this, he’ll have to place gauze in your nostrils. This gauze, along with the swelling that comes with plastic surgery, may make breathing uncomfortable. You may also have a nasal dressing. To aid in your rhinoplasty recovery, your plastic surgeon may fit you with a cast or a nasal splint on the inside or outside of your nose.
Once you get home, you’ll have to be careful with your nose. You should not blow your nose, something many patients find difficult to avoid. Your temporarily weakened nasal structure will not be able to handle the strain involved. However, if absolutely necessary, you can blow your nose very gently.
If you’re experiencing small amounts of nasal bleeding, this is a normal side effect of the surgery. Do not attempt to stick anything into your nostrils to stop this bleeding; packing them with tissues, gauze, or any other material could potentially cause damage.
During the rhinoplasty recovery process, it’s best to avoid any strenuous activities. You may also have trouble wearing glasses due to swelling. Two days after the rhinoplasty procedure, you will need to remove the gauze from your nostrils. Remove it carefully, making sure to take pain medication beforehand (but not aspirin). You may have a small nosebleed after this. A good way to help end the nosebleed is to keep your head elevated.
Part of rhinoplasty recovery is staying away from work for at least a week after the procedure. During this time and for one additional week, keep your nose irrigated with tap water to avoid the formation of any blood clots. Your cast or nasal splint will be removed by your surgeon around one week after the rhinoplasty surgery.
If you make sure to follow your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions, your rhinoplasty recovery process will be over before you know it – and you’ll be able to enjoy your new nose! To learn more about rhinoplasty, contact our office for a consultation. Dr. Daria Hamrah is a renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon in Virginia who will help you get the nose you’re looking for.