Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose. It is used to improve the appearance and proportion of the nose, as well as to address any structural abnormalities or issues that may hinder breathing. Nasal surgery can be performed for both cosmetic and medical reasons and typically involves removing or adding tissue from the area around the nose.
Although you may be desperate to fully appreciate the effects of your rhinoplasty, recovery takes time. However, there are several steps you can undertake throughout this period that will accelerate the healing process and guarantee a successful outcome.
Rhinoplasty can be useful in treating:
- Drooping of the tip of the nose – Rhinoplasty can be used to fix a droop in the tip of the nose, creating a more symmetrical shape.
- A prominent hump on the bridge of the nose – Rhinoplasty can be used to reduce the size and shape of a bump on the bridge, creating a smoother appearance.
- Bulbous tip – A bulbous tip can make your nose appear disproportionate to other facial features, but rhinoplasty can address this issue and create a more defined shape.
- Crookedness of the nose – Rhinoplasty can be used to straighten and even out a crooked nose, creating symmetry among the facial features.
- Wide nasal bridge – If you have difficulty finding glasses that fit due to a wide bridge, rhinoplasty can narrow the bridge for a more aesthetically pleasing look and an easier eyeglass shopping experience.
- Flat appearance of the nose – Rhinoplasty can add definition, volume and height to create a more attractive shape for your nose.
- Large nostrils – If you feel like your nostrils are too big or wide, they can be adjusted through rhinoplasty to create desired size and contour changes.
- Enlarged or misshapen turbinates– Turbinates are bony structures within your nasal cavity that aid with breathing and humidification; they can be reshaped through rhinoplasty if they are overly large or misshapen in any way.
- Difficulty breathing through one side of the nose– Rhinoplasty can correct structural abnormalities or deviations that may result in difficulty breathing out of one side of your nose.
- Visible bumps inside the nasal passageways– Bumps along the inner lining of your nasal passageways can cause airflow obstruction; these bumps can be addressed by rhinoplasty to improve airflow through the nasal cavities.
- Alar modifications (base reduction)– Rhinoplasty is an effective procedure that can help people get rid of flaring alae, which helps reduce width across the base of the nostrils for a more tailored appearance according to facial features and desires.
NOSE JOB RECOVERY TIME
Breaking down the average rhinoplasty recovery time of a whole year can be an intimidating thought. However, it is more accessible when considering what milestones you’ll hit along your journey. Every patient’s experience may differ, but generally, here’s how it goes:
1 Week
You can take off the splint covering your nose and go out in public without anyone noticing you had a rhinoplasty surgery–unless there’s some discolouration around your eyes. It is now safe to return to all of your usual activities.
2 Weeks
The majority of the facial swelling has subsided, and most of the bruising should have resolved.
3-4 Weeks
You may resume your cardiovascular activities, like jogging, swimming, and cycling, without any risk.
6 Weeks
Your bones are now stable, so you can safely start resistance workouts again, sports eyewear, and even blow your nose.
3-6 months
Your nose and nasal skin should no longer feel numb or tingly. These irregular sensations should have dissipated.
1 Year
The recovery process is finished – all inflammation should have vanished, and your nose has taken its new form.
How to speed up the rhinoplasty recovery timeline?
Want to speed up your recovery time following the rhinoplasty procedure? The good news is that there are several strategies you can use to ensure a swift and comfortable post-operative experience. We suggest the following tips:
1. Follow your surgeon’s advice
Above all else, adhere to the instructions your physician provides. You can read plenty of online articles about rhinoplasty recovery on the internet; however, none would be as precise and tailored for you as what your plastic surgeon will advise.
Your doctor will inform you which medications to take and when, and how to maintain proper hygiene at the incision area in order to prevent any infection from occurring, plus also remind you of when it is time for a check-up.
2. Listen to your body
Your plastic surgeon can monitor your rhinoplasty recovery from an external viewpoint, but only you will understand how it’s actually progressing. Pay attention to what your body is telling you—if something doesn’t feel right post-surgery, consult with a doctor promptly.
3. Keep your head elevated
If you’ve had a rhinoplasty, sleeping on your side is not only uncomfortable – it can actually extend the duration of your recovery by causing bruising and swelling. Moreover, it could cause displacement of your nose! To avoid this from happening, elevate your head throughout the night for 6 weeks following surgery – both propping up with two or three pillows or using a foam wedge work well here. Similarly, sleeping in a recliner also does the trick. If you tend to move around while asleep, utilise either travel pillows or prop yourself up with rolled-up towels to make sure that alignment stays put during times when restlessness kicks in.
4. Use a cold compress
To decrease puffiness of the nasal passages in the initial 72 hours after surgery, one could use a cold compress. However, it is important to be mindful when applying so you don’t accidentally move any of your bones or cartilage; therefore, place the cold pack on your cheeks, not right onto your nose.
5. Make sure to get a rest
The post-operative discomfort could hinder your ability to sleep soundly, yet rest remains critical for recovery. As the body regenerates itself, it requires energy; obtaining seven to eight hours of slumber daily ensures that you can replenish it.
6. Focus on a healthy diet
How is consuming your daily dose of vegetables correlated with recovering from a rhinoplasty? Substantially! Eating nutritiously post-surgery can hasten your recuperation process by supplying the necessary nourishment to aid in self-healing.
Protein is a necessary component for the creation of vital body parts such as skin, muscle, cartilage, and blood. Eating foods that are high in protein, like nuts, eggs, yogurt, fish, and meat, can help your body repair any damage caused to your nose by providing it with important nutrients.
To ensure you remain healthy, it’s critical to make sure your diet includes plenty of vitamins A and C. In particular, Vitamin A found in such leafy greens as spinach and kale gives a tremendous immunity boost that can help protect against post-surgical infections.
Additionally, Vitamin C is integral for the production of collagen — the protein responsible for maintaining skin tissue — which comes from citrus fruits like oranges or lemons, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
7. Avoid high temperatures
While hot showers, steaming bowls of soup and cosy saunas may be comforting to your body, they’re definitely not good for reducing swelling. Heat can cause the tissues in your nasal area to swell even more after reshaping surgery; it’s best if you stick with cool and room-temperature food items instead. Taking lukewarm baths or staying away from high temperatures over the weeks following your procedure could also assist in faster healing.
8. Do not blow your nose
After your surgery, most patients experience nasal congestion for a few weeks – even months. This feeling occurs due to swollen nasal tissues. Instead of blowing your nose, speak with your doctor about utilising saline sprays in order to delicately moisturise the passages until the swelling reduces. It’s important not to blow out any mucus before six weeks post-surgery have elapsed; then, you can resume normal activities such as blowing and cleaning out your nostrils.
Sneezing is inevitable, so instead of obstructing your nasal cavity, simply try to sneeze through your mouth. Yes, it sounds horrible, but this approach allows you to facilitate faster recovery after rhinoplasty due to the fact that it doesn’t damage delicate tissue in the nose.
9. Avoid strenuous activities
After undergoing nose surgery, the bones in your nose generally take about 6 weeks to recover. During this period, it’s prudent to avoid strenuous physical activity as even seemingly harmless movements such as stretching and lifting can lead to a heightened state of nasal swelling. Before starting back up with your workout routine again, make sure you get clearance from your doctor beforehand.
10. Do not use glasses
During the rhinoplasty healing process, wearing glasses of any kind – including sunglasses, reading glasses and prescription lenses – should be avoided. This is because eyewear can cause further bruising, swelling or permanent indentations that may necessitate additional revision surgery in the future.
When it’s secure to put on eyeglasses again, your facial plastic surgeon will guide you. shifting to contacts is ideal in the interim; however, if that isn’t an option for you, try wearing the lightest frames available and only when absolutely required. We have a special splint at our practice that can be placed beneath glasses – this was used initially following surgery and may offer extra protection for any spectacles worn.
11. Avoid the sun exposure
Practising sun safety is always essential, particularly so after a nose job. Your nose will be prone to burning in the weeks and months following your procedure; additionally, too much exposure can darken any scarring present and cause swelling to rise. Taking measures to protect yourself from UV rays is thus critical for supporting optimal recovery post-surgery.
12. Do not smoke or drink
Prior to and post-surgery, it is paramount that you abstain from smoking or being in close proximity to someone who does. The nicotine found in tobacco hinders blood flow throughout your body, making the healing process more laborious and complicating your plastic surgery recovery. To ensure a successful operation and recuperation period, avoid any contact with smoke.
Drinking large quantities of alcohol can impede your body’s recovery process from surgery, as well as interfere with the post-operative medications prescribed by your surgeon. It is best to abstain from drinking alcohol during this time for optimal healing benefits.
13. Have patience
Above all, remain patient. Your recovery and the rhinoplasty results you desire will come in time; they just take a little while. Using the tips listed above may not reduce your one-year healing period to only seven days, but it can still help accelerate your progress and make for an enhanced post-surgery experience.
Who is a good candidate for a nose job surgery?
You have a genuine expectation that the surgery will enhance your look, not totally transform it.
- Rest assured that your overall physical and mental health is in great shape; any underlying medical issues can be easily identified prior to taking the plunge.
- You have carefully considered and discussed with an ENT surgeon all of the possible risks related to rhinoplasty.
- You understand the recovery process and have made any necessary preparations to facilitate healing.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RHINOPLASTY
Considering a rhinoplasty? Everyone’s healing process is unique, but with Dr Alan Evans by your side and providing personalised care throughout the entire journey from pre-surgery consultation to post-operative recovery – you can trust that each step has been taken with precision. If at any point questions arise regarding either procedure or aftercare, call us at (02) 9158 6375 or complete an online appointment form.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Rhinoplasty
https://www.healthline.com/health/rhinoplasty
Cosmetic surgery for the nose
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-nose-job-rhinoplasty
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