Whether you’re opting for rhinoplasty for cosmetic or medical reasons, you’re anxious to enjoy your results. There are a few tips for rhinoplasty you should keep in mind to ease the days and weeks following your procedure.
While Dr. Nicholas Nikolov and the team here at The Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery will do our part to make sure that your rhinoplasty goes smoothly, you can do a few things on your end to facilitate your recovery.
The First Few Days After Your Rhinoplasty
When you return home after your rhinoplasty, you’re going to want to take it easy for a few days and rest. Your nose will likely be splinted, and you should expect some degree of bruising and swelling, which you can keep to a minimum by:
- Elevating your head as much as possible, even while you sleep
- Using cold packs as directed
- Taking your medications as prescribed by us
- You should also follow our instructions for incision care so that you can avoid infection.
To protect the bandages and splint, you should keep water away from your face. In most cases, we remove the splint and sutures after a week, at which point we check the progress of your healing and give you the green light to shower as you usually do.
If this hasn’t been made clear, you’re not going to be looking your best for the first week or two following your rhinoplasty, so you should plan your social and professional calendar accordingly.
After The Initial Healing Period
As the bruising subsides and your incisions heal, you can slowly resume your normal activities. We ask that you avoid any strenuous activities, especially ones where you tilt your head down (think reaching down to pick up a weight). After 6-8 weeks, you should be able to get back to your more active pursuits.
You can expect the swelling to persist for much longer than the bruising, though it will improve as time goes by. Some patients report minor swelling in the mornings, for example, which can last for months.
It’s during this time that you will need to practice patience. Your body heals at its own pace, and it takes time for the hard and soft tissues to settle into their final positions. We assure you that your patience will be rewarded as you gradually realize the benefits of your “new” nose.
Rest assured, we’re with you every step of the way during your recovery after rhinoplasty, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.
If you have questions about your recovery before we get started, please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Beverly Hills, California.
