Do’s and Don’ts During Rhinoplasty Recovery

Rhinoplasty is an intricate cosmetic procedure that necessitates a tremendous level of expertise and experience. Also, each surgery comes with a list of post-operative Do’s and Don’ts to ensure that patients heal properly. Our extensive experience performing rhinoplasty at Natural Clinic is the source for the following list of dos and Don’ts after nose surgery you should acknowledge.

This list may vary depending on your circumstances, so this is not meant to substitute for your surgeon’s instructions. It should give those considering nose surgery a comprehensive opinion of what to expect and how to prepare.

Do

• Get plenty of rest. You should take at least a week off work after surgery. You are likely to experience some discomfort for the first few days, but this will usually have resolved by the end of the first week after surgery.
• Stay hydrated. Drink at least 2 liters of water per day. Drinking water will help to reduce any post-operative swelling.
• Sleep with your head elevated.
• Attend all of your follow-up appointments.
• Take any pain relief medication prescribed for you at the clinic.
• Use ice packs or cold compresses to reduce any post-operative swelling.
• Keep the inside of your nose moist and clean with saline spray.
• Keep a cold washcloth or gauze over your eyes and upper cheeks as much as possible for the first thirty-six hours after surgery.
• Keep your mouth open if you have to sneeze.
• Use a humidifier.
• Keep a stiff upper lip. The first week after the surgery, do not move the upper lip too much.
• Be careful around children or spouses who move around in bed a lot. Your nose is not in any condition to be accidentally hit.
• Clean your nostrils and visible stitches with cotton swabs and hydrogen peroxide.

Don’t

• Take part in any strenuous activity for at least two weeks after surgery. Any activity that could cause an injury that puts your nose at the risk of harm must be avoided for a minimum of a few months.
• Ignore any signs of post-operative complications or infection.
• Injure your nose during recovery. If you do injure your nose, contact your doctor immediately. You may need to schedule an appointment for a check-up.
• Skip your follow-up appointments. These appointments give your doctor a chance to evaluate your progress and recovery.
• If possible do not blow your nose for the first 3 weeks after surgery.
• Eat spicy or salty food for 3 weeks after surgery.
• Take any medication or supplements that thin the blood for at least two weeks after your procedure.
• Worry about your recovery. Recovering from surgery can be a slow and uncomfortable process. Anxiety can be just as detrimental to the recovery process as physical exertion. Ensure you stay calm, stay positive and get plenty of rest.
• Go overboard on talking, smiling, and vigorous tooth brushing. Brush gently.
• Eat anything challenging to chew or that may agitate your stomach.
• Wear your glasses for six weeks after surgery. They could play havoc with the healing of the nasal bones. If you need your glasses, we can show you a system to support them on your face.
• Drive for a week.
• Drink alcohol.
• Smoke.