Recovering after rhinoplasty surgery can take some time, depending on the surgical procedure used, and the extent of surgery. Plastic surgeons will usually advise their patients to take some time off from work and other daily activities to allow for recovery. Here’s what you can expect while you are healing after rhinoplasty surgery.
Post-Rhinoplasty: Immediate Care Instructions
Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after their surgery. If possible, arrangements can be made for someone to stay home with the patient for a few days after the surgery.
The doctor will likely get the patient to wear a light tape and plastic nasal dressing on the outside of the nose along with plastic splints on the inside of the nose. A gauze dressing is also placed under the nose and will need to be changed multiple during the first two days after surgery.
You can expect to experience some discomfort after the surgery, but these after-effects are temporary and should subside in time. If the discomfort becomes too uncomfortable, your doctor can prescribe medication to help you more easily deal with it. Following the post-surgical instructions given to you will also help you recover more efficiently, keeping the discomfort minimized.
The doctor may advise the use of cold compresses to reduce the intensity of these symptoms. The patient may also have difficulty breathing through the nose and experience nasal crusting. A saline spray can be sprayed into the nose four to six times a day to keep the nasal cavity lubricated.
Another thing that is common post-rhinoplasty is bleeding from the nose for the first few days. The drip pad under the nose may need to be changed every 10 minutes to every 4 hours. It is important not to blow the nose as this may open up the stitches used to close the incisions. The bleeding should clear up in a week. If it persists, the patient should contact their doctor.
What To Know About The Recovery Period
During the recovery period, it is advisable to refrain from smoking, long-term sun exposure, aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory substances, antibiotics, and strenuous physical activities.
After about two weeks, you will be able to remove the bandages and dressings used to keep the treatment area protected. As you heal, the final results of the surgery will become more apparent. Not only will you notice a dramatic improvement in the look of your nose, you’ll noticed functional improvements as well. You’ll be able to get rid of nasal obstructions and breathe more easily after the treatment.
The amount of time it takes varies from patient to patient and largely depends on the extent of the corrections made. Your doctor can further advise you on what to expect from your healing process during a consultation.
Your Rhinoplasty Journey Starts Here – Call Now
A rhinoplasty surgery is a complex and extensive surgery that will take some time to recover from, but with the right guidance, you can carefully navigate the healing process and get back to your normal daily life quickly. Contact Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa to receive the guidance you need during the rhinoplasty process.
