Rhinoplasty and the Recovery Process

Recovering from rhinoplasty is indeed a process. Although the surgery revolves around such a small body part as the nose, it is still a serious procedure. It should be treated as such, especially during recovery. As soon as the plastic surgeon has finished, a splint will be placed on the patient’s nose. This is done to ensure that the new shape of the nose stays in place. A patient should anticipate a moderate level of pain that will require the use of pain medication for an average of five to ten days. Additionally, within this time frame, the surgeon meets with the patient, removes the splint and changes the bandages.

The area around the nose and the nose itself will be swollen and bruised for several weeks or months, depending on how extensive the surgery was. This is one reason why doctors recommend that ice packs be placed on the eyes immediately following the procedure, to lessen the swelling as much as possible. To keep the bleeding to a minimum after surgery, a patient should avoid touching or blowing the nose for the first four weeks. It is also important to keep the head elevated, particularly during sleep. During the initial phase of the recovery process, doctors typically recommend a semi-liquid diet with food products such as soup and juice. This is advised due to a common feeling of nausea that patients experience after the surgery, and any vomiting may delay recovery time. However, once the nausea passes, the person may return to normal eating habits.

It is advised for most rhinoplasty patients to delay returning to work until three weeks have passed. This gives additional time for the pain to lessen, and swelling and bruising to go down. Exercise or any other strenuous activity needs to be avoided for six weeks after surgery. A patient should consult with their physician if they have any doubts or concerns about the particular safety of an activity.

Within two to three weeks after the procedure, the results of the surgery will be apparent. The long-term impact of the rhinoplasty will not be fully known until six to 12 months have passed. Statistically, only 20 percent of people who receive this particular surgical procedure will need some form of reconstructive surgery. If reconstruction is needed, usually another surgeon who specializes in this specific type of reconstruction should be used. Additional surgery on a nose can be risky and complicated.