Post-Rhinoplasty Recovery Process

Also called a nose job, a rhinoplasty provides patients with both aesthetic and functional support. It is important to understand how to care for yourself after any surgical procedure. At Narasimhan Plastic Surgery, our team of plastic surgeons will support you through every step of the post-rhinoplasty recovery process.

What To Expect After a Rhinoplasty

After your operation, your surgeon will place cotton gauze in your nose, and you will wear a splint to minimize swelling and help maintain the new shape. Your surgeon will tell you how long to wear both. Typically, gauze should remain for 24-48 hours, and you will wear the splint for several weeks.

Swelling is common during the recovery process following nasal reconstruction surgery and occurs when fluid accumulates in your skin. The amount of post-surgical swelling you experience will change with time.

From four to six weeks post-surgery, your nose will look and feel enlarged. There may also be bruising and discoloration. Three months after surgery, most of the swelling should have disappeared. There may be minimal swelling present one year after your rhinoplasty.

How To Care for Yourself During the Healing Process

After your procedure, your surgeon may give you a long-acting numbing agent. As you recover, you should only experience mild to moderate discomfort or pain. During this time, you can take over-the-counter pain medications as directed by your doctor.

You can take several steps to optimize your healing process, including:

• Avoiding any pressure on your face, including wearing glasses and blowing your nose
• Applying cool compresses to your cheeks and under-eye area, while avoiding using ice or placing anything directly on your nose
• Keeping your head elevated
• Minimizing sun exposure
• Avoiding heavy lifting

Your care team will make personalized recommendations for your recovery period to help ensure your best results.

Contact Our Clinic for Support While You Heal After a Nose Job

It is important to take proper care of yourself as you recover from your rhinoplasty. You do not have to manage this process on your own. Our team at Narasimhan Plastic Surgery is here to offer support and answer any questions that you may have to ensure that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Speak with our providers today to learn more about the post-rhinoplasty recovery process.