4 Minute Read:
Each year, rhinoplasty tops the list of most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. This is due in large part to the fact that rhinoplasty (cosmetic nose surgery) can completely transform your facial aesthetic and help you feel more confident and comfortable with how you look.
While many women and men desire the results achieved by rhinoplasty, the recovery process is a common concern.
If you are worried about the post-operative portion of your nose surgery, then this blog is for you! We’ll explore some of the many ways you can help speed up your rhinoplasty recovery while alleviating discomfort in the process.
What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?
Not only can rhinoplasty be used to correct issues with the nose that have been present your entire lift (including nasal humps, an upturned or downturned nasal tip, or a nose that is not proportionate to the rest of your face), but cosmetic can help correct aesthetic issues caused by an injury (broken nose).
Additionally, nose surgery can help you breathe better by correcting a deviated septum (among other concerns).
What to Keep in Mind During Rhinoplasty Recovery?
Rhinoplasty is a complex surgical procedure that requires several weeks of recovery. During this time, you must allow your body to rest and recover.
By following your post-surgical instructions as well as these tips, you can look forward to showing off your new and improved nose:
1. Don’t Blow Your Nose
Because your rhinoplasty surgeon manipulates the nasal structure, you must keep your nose as rested as possible. This means refraining from anything that may put unneeded pressure on the area, including blowing and rubbing your nose.
2. Apply Ice
After your rhinoplasty, you will have swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes. To minimize swelling, you can apply ice to the area for twenty minutes at a time.
Applying ice can also help relieve some of the discomfort you may experience.
3. Keep Your Head Elevated
Whether you are sleeping, resting your head, or watching TV, make sure to keep your head elevated. This may mean bolstering your head with pillows while you sleep.
Keeping your head elevated helps to reduce swelling and congestion, which can speed up your recovery.
4. Take Your Medications
You will be prescribed pain-relieving medications after rhinoplasty. It is important that you only take these medications or other medications (including over-the-counter medications) that have been recommended by your plastic surgeon.
5. Take Enough Time Off of Work
Most women and men return to work within seven days of their rhinoplasty. However, because everyone recovers at their own speed, be sure that you have taken enough time to focus on healing.
6. Eat the Right Foods
A healthy diet can help speed up your recovery, while eating the wrong food can negatively impact your recovery and results.
During the initial days, eat soft and easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. (Doing so minimizes discomfort in the nose.) Additionally, you will want to make sure to avoid spicy foods (as these foods can irritate the nose), and make sure to limit your salt intake (since salt can increase swelling).
7. Drink Water
Staying hydrated helps your body heal itself quicker, leading to a faster recovery time after your rhinoplasty.
However, there is an added importance to drinking enough water after your nose surgery: Since you will not be able to breathe through your nose during your recovery, drinking plenty of water can help ensure that your mouth does not dry out and become irritated.
8. Take Baths
Not only will you need to keep your bandages from getting wet, but you will want to make sure that nothing irritates your nose during your rhinoplasty recovery. Because of this, you should take baths instead of showers for the first week or two.
9. Keep Your Body Moving
While resting your body is important during your recovery process, it is just as important that you take slow and short walks as soon as you can. This increases blood circulation, which, in turn, helps minimize swelling and speed up recovery. You still want to make sure that you are not engaging in any strenuous activities.
Want to Learn More About Rhinoplasty?
If you are interested in the benefits of rhinoplasty or you have questions about rhinoplasty recovery, contact PREMIERE Center for Cosmetic Surgery by calling (813) 400-1465 or by filling out our online contact form.