So, we have covered the basics of a nose job or rhinoplasty and what to expect from the recovery process after the surgery. The healing isn’t something you should leave to your body. You should actively participate and do your best to speed it up. So here are some of the best tips how you can help your body recover faster from a nose job.
Follow the instructions from your cosmetic surgeon
After your nose job, your cosmetic surgeon will give you a list of tips and advices that you should follow to reduce swelling and bruising. Make sure that you follow them. It’s really important.
- Aside from the instructions, you might also receive:
- A list of medication that you can take and when you can take
- Instructions on how to change your packing material or nasal drip pads
- Advice on when to apply cold compresses and nasal tapes
- A time and date for your follow-up appointment
OF course, this isn’t everything that you can do to help your new nose heal.
First 2 days after nose job
For the first 2 days after your procedure, you need to make sure that you keep your head elevated. This is something that your cosmetic surgeon will emphasize.
There will be some edema after surgery (which is normal) so the best way to combat this is to keep your head elevated for a day or two. It’s even better if you can sleep that way. Sleeping on your side is not something we would recommend because it will be uncomfortable and it might prolong the recovery process.
If you have the option and it is not too uncomfortable, you can sleep for a few weeks in a recliner. But if it is, then prop your head up with a few pillows or use a travel “collar”.
Cold compresses
Cold compresses are mostly used for the first few hours after surgery, while you’re in the recovery room. The use for compresses after a nose job, once you get home might not be necessary, but it’s best to consult with your surgeon.
Get plenty of sleep
Many patients underestimate the healing benefits of a good sleep. Even if you have no surgery, sleeping can recuperate your body and restore your energy.
Sleeping for the first few days might be difficult since your nose will be congested but getting a good 7-8 hours of sleep could do wonders for your recovery process.
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
This applies after every surgical procedure. When you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, you minimize the risk of water retention and also promote better blood circulation, which is crucial for the healing process.
Rest after a nose job
After a surgical procedure, it is recommended to take it easy for a week or two. During this time, the worse signs of post-surgical recover (sunken eyes, bruising, nose swelling etc.) will clear out and fade. Of course this doesn’t mean that you should return to your normal routine right after those sings are gone. No. The nasal bone structure usually takes about 6 weeks to settle down, so during that time you should exercise caution.
Creams
When your cosmetic surgeon removes the cast (usually during your first follow-up appointment) you can start washing your nose. It will still be tender, so make sure that you do so gently.
During your follow-up appointment ask your cosmetic surgeon if there are any creams or ointments that you can use and apply on your nose. They should not only help reduce the bruising, but also keep your skin moist and hydrated.
Eyewear
If you can, make sure that you don’t need to get revision surgery. Putting unnecessary pressure on your new nose after nose job surgery is not a good idea. It can cause indentations and your nose might not heal the way it is supposed to.
So during your recovery, make sure that you switch from glasses to contact lenses.
Talk to your surgeon if you feel something’s not right
Doctors and surgeons have experience and they only see how the recovery is going during your follow-up appointments. They don’t see how is everything inside, so if you feel that something isn’t right, don’t hesitate in contacting your doctor.
Patience
After almost every cosmetic surgery, things will usually get worse before they get better. But remember this. Every sign of recovery e.g. bruising, sunken eye, black eyes etc. will eventually disappear and fade. You just have to be patient. Even with these tips, you won’t be able to cut down on the healing process, making it a lot faster, but you will make it more manageable and better. After all, what you do, during your recovery, can greatly influence how the end results will turn out.
