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Quick Guide to a Smooth Recovery

Rhinoplasty involves reshaping the delicate structures of the nose and nasal cavities to create a more attractive or functional nose. To ensure you only need to have your procedure done once and that the results are the best they can be, the following recovery tips are essential.

1. Keep the Swelling Down

Using a flexible ice pack or cooling pad can help reduce swelling and alleviate pressure and puffiness around the treated area. This is especially important within the first few days after the surgery. The cold will restrict blood flow to the area, reduce swelling, and help your nose heal more quickly.

2. Stay Away from Anti-Inflammatory Medication Unless It Is Specifically Prescribed

Anti-inflammatory medication can cause swelling and increased blood flow, which could lead to bleeding or a slowed recovery. Discuss the use of anti-inflammatory medication with our surgeon before taking any of these medications during the recovery period.

3. Do Not Take Painkillers or Other Medications Without Approval From Your Surgeon

You will experience some pain and discomfort during the first few weeks, especially during the first week after surgery. Painkillers or other medications will be prescribed to you or recommended to reduce the amount of discomfort experienced post-op. The dosages and medications will be tailored so they do not interfere with your recovery or cause adverse reactions that would hinder the healing process.

4. Take Time Off to Rest and Recover

After surgery, your body needs to focus its energy on healing, so the less strenuous the activity, the better. This also means avoiding sports or activities where you might bump your nose. The point is to let your nose heal and recover and to prevent any stress or injury during the healing process.

5. Plan Ahead for Your Recovery

Walking gently increases circulation throughout your body, helping fluid move and your nose heal. Getting out and walking can also help reduce stress while preventing fluid from building up in your body. Increased breathing and a slightly elevated heart rate help oxygen flow through your body, which aids the healing process.

6. Get Outside and Take a Walk

Walking gently increases circulation throughout your body, helping fluid move and your nose heal. Getting out and walking can also help reduce stress while preventing fluid from building up in your body. Increased breathing and a slightly elevated heart rate help oxygen flow through your body, which aids the healing process.

7. Take a Bath Instead of a Shower

The bandages, splints, and supports placed in and around your nose after a rhinoplasty should not get wet. Bathing instead of showering makes it easier to keep your bandages dry. Also, washing your face with a damp cloth around the bandages can help to keep your face outside of the bandages fresh. Bandages should be off around the first week after the procedure, so this routine won’t have to continue too long.

8. Eat Healthy and Drink Plenty of Water

Eating healthy and drinking water will help your body heal faster and feel better sooner. Good nutrition gives your body what it needs to repair and heal. Water speeds recovery by flushing out the toxins from anesthetics as well as reducing the likelihood of infection. Water allows nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to tissues and for proper drainage of the wound.

9. Avoid Blowing Your Nose

If the inside of the nose is supported by structures placed by the surgeon, blowing your nose could shift or dislodge them. This could injure the inside of the nose or compromise healing. Blowing could also make your nose more irritated. Wiping or dabbing your nose if there is drainage is fine as long as it is delicate.

10. Stay Away from Peppery and Spicy Foods

To avoid irritation of your nose and sinuses, it is best to avoid peppery or spicy foods. Spicy food can cause your blood vessels to dilate, and will increase swelling and bruising in the early stages of healing. By avoiding spicy foods, you can prevent your nose from swelling, running, or just becoming irritated in general.

11. Lower Your Salt Intake and Avoid Salty Foods

Salt will raise your blood pressure, worsening swelling and pressure around the surgical site. To minimize the discomfort associated with swelling, it is best to avoid eating salty foods or adding salt to food.

12. Post-op Appointments Are Important

You will be scheduled for follow-up appointments with Dr. Torkian after surgery to monitor your recovery. These appointments make sure that everything is proceeding as it should and that bandages and splints are removed properly or replaced if necessary.

13. Get Plenty of Rest and Keep Your Head Elevated

Rest will help your body heal faster, and sleeping or resting with your head supported and elevated will help prevent swelling in your nose and the surrounding area. Keeping your head above your body will keep fluid from building up around the surgical site and face. Rest, too, allows your body to spend its energy on recovery rather than on other activities.

14. Follow All the Post-Op Instructions Given to You by Dr. Torkian

Dr. Torkian will give you specific instructions to follow after surgery. These instructions are vital to a speedy, smooth recovery and optimal final results. Following the instructions means there is a lower likelihood of infection, injury, or other suboptimal situations.

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