Helpful Tips To Speed Up Your Rhinoplasty Healing Time

For many people, having the perfect nose will help them gain self-confidence. However, patients will need to wait for about one to two weeks after getting a rhinoplasty, to return to their social activities. After 6-12 months the remaining albeit unperceivable swelling of the nose will be gone. During your recovery period, there are specific steps you can take to speed things up and ensure that everything heals properly.

After your surgery, your Plastic Surgeon will send you home with specific care instructions for your nose. Following these instructions will help your nose heal exactly how it should.

Helpful Tips To Speed Up Your Rhinoplasty Healing Time

1 – Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Orders

Generally, Plastic Surgeons will advise their patients to avoid doing certain activities such as swimming and strenuous exercise up to 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Others will ask you to avoid blowing your nose hard for a specific number of days. If you follow these instructions, you’ll be giving yourself the best opportunity for your improved nose. That means no more crooked nose, double nose, concave nose, etc. Double-check what your Plastic Surgeon recommends, and follow it to the letter.

2 – Listen to Your Body

While rhinoplasty is a safe and routine procedure, there is a chance that you will experience some pain and discomfort. If you feel constant pain and discomfort weeks after your procedure, you should discuss it with your Plastic Surgeon.

3 – Reduce Stress

It’s easy to get stressed out when you’re waiting for your nose to heal. After all, you spent time and money on the procedure. The thought of how your nose will look can cause some anxiety at first. The best way to relieve some of this stress is to get enough sleep and try ways to reduce your stress levels such as meditation, light exercise like walking, and caffeine intake reduction.

4 – Avoid Sun Exposure

To help healing, you should avoid going in the sun for at least 4-6 weeks after the bandages are off, otherwise make sure you use sunscreen with a high SPF and a hat. If not, the skin on your nose could experience sunburn which means a healing delay or even a skin color change.

5 – Use Cold Compresses

During the first 48 hours, you could be advised by your plastic surgeon to use cold compresses to reduce swelling. They also cause blood vessels to tighten, minimizing bruising. If you can’t get an ice pack, use a bag of frozen vegetables. Conversely, avoid hot baths and showers after your nose surgery since the heat opens the blood vessels and may increase bruising. 

6 – Take Antibiotics

If you had a rhinoplasty procedure, antibiotics would be prescribed to help reduce the risk of infection. Take the medication according to the prescription.

7 – Sleep on Your Back

During the first week or so, you’ll need to sleep on your back with your head elevated to a 45 degree angle. Do not sleep on your side or stomach. This helps reduce stress on your nose, it decreases the risk of injury and keeps the swelling down.

Conclusion

Following the above list will help you heal quickly. Make sure that you don’t hesitate to get in touch with your plastic surgeon if there are any problems. They will be happy to help you get back on track with your recovery.

If you are thinking: Does a nose job change your face?, come to Peninsula Plastic Surgery. We will be happy to talk to you about it! We provide Mommy Makeovers, breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reconstruction, facelifts, eyelid lifts, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, and rhinoplasty. Cosmetic consultations are free of charge.