Recovery from rhinoplasty: useful tips

If you have done your homework and weighed the options on surgical vs.: non-surgical rhinoplasty, you must understand that surgical rhinoplasty is major surgery. You may have chosen this more radical option because non-surgery rhinoplasty will not accomplish the corrective procedure that you need or for the mere fact that it is permanent. You must be aware of the fact that results from surgical rhinoplasty will be a progressive situation. The results may start as quickly as two weeks from the surgery, but can often take up to two full years to complete. While everyone heals differently, there are some useful tips that you might want to heed to make your recovery from rhinoplasty better and faster.

Prior to the surgery, discuss prescription medication with your physician to assist in pain management.

Review the procedure with your surgeon and get a complete understanding of the immediate post surgical expectations. Post surgery situations can include blurry vision due to the lubricant placed in your eyes during surgery; lack of the ability to breathe through your nose,

Be aware of post surgery appearance which will include major swelling, bruising under and around the eyes and a lot of discomfort.

It is important to discuss with your physician and/or surgeon any medication, OTC or vitamins and supplements that you currently take. You may be required to remove them from your regiment for a period of time. Do not take any aspirin-like products or diet pills.

It is common to experience nausea, so be sure to have medication that helps to eliminate the nauseated feelings.

Limit greasy foods in your diet to help to control nausea.

To reduce swelling from the surgery, it is advised to put ice packs in the areas of the eyes for a period of two to three days after the surgery.

Whether asleep or awake, make sure to elevate your head. This will also help to reduce swelling.

While a little bleeding is normal in the post-surgery condition, and congestion for up to the first several weeks, do not blow your nose or do any process that may cause a risk of abnormal bleeding or healing for the first two months.

Do not try to pack tissue in your nose or use any Q-Tips.

Do not disturb or move the splint or cast that you will be required to wear for the first seven days after the surgery.

It is common for the nasal tip to feel numb and the general nose area to be sensitive. If you plan on going outdoors, it is highly recommended that you use sun block for additional nose protection.

Try to stay away and out of hot dry locations. This can dry out your nasal passages. If you find yourself in these conditions, use a small amount of Vaseline in the nose. This is recommended over nasal lubricant sprays, as they do not have a long lasting effect.

There will be an appearance of small whitehead like growths on your nose after surgery. These are called Milia and will go away. Gentle cleansing can assist in a faster recovery.

You should be able to have sex within one week after the surgery.

Do not use a public pool, spa or go into the ocean for at least one week after the surgery.

If you follow common sense you should be able to have an excellent recovery from rhinoplasty. As always, if there are any concerns, you should contact your physician’s office.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.