What Should You Avoid After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Everyone wants their recovery experience after surgery to be comfortable, safe, and successful. When it comes to rhinoplasty surgery, in particular, there are a number of important guidelines to ensure proper healing and an optimal outcome. At Jerry Chidester, MD Plastic & Hand Surgery in Draper, UT, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester (aka Dr. Chiddy) provides comprehensive rhinoplasty aftercare instructions to ensure patients experience proper healing, minimal discomfort, and a beautiful result that lasts for years to come. Review the helpful information below to better understand things you should and shouldn’t do after rhinoplasty surgery, why they matter, and when you can resume your normal behaviors.

What to expect during nose surgery

Prior to undergoing nasal surgery, Dr. Chiddy will evaluate and discuss your concerns to determine which type of rhinoplasty may best help you achieve your desired outcome. Some of the most commonly performed nose surgeries today include:

• Traditional rhinoplasty
• Functional rhinoplasty
• Ethnic rhinoplasty
• Revision rhinoplasty

Depending on the type of nose surgery being performed, Dr. Chiddy may use either an open or a closed approach. In an open rhinoplasty, Dr. Chiddy will create an incision at the base of the nose, just between the nostrils. A closed rhinoplasty uses only internal incisions. Based on the alterations that need to be made, a rhinoplasty may involve one or more of the following techniques:

• Cartilage removal
• Cartilage grafting
• Bone reduction
• Tissue excision
• Nostril reshaping
• Correction of a deviated septum

Rhinoplasty surgery is typically performed using general anesthesia and may take up to 1 – 3 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.

What to expect after rhinoplasty surgery

Following rhinoplasty surgery, patients may have splints or packing placed in the nose to support and protect the healing tissues. These are typically removed within a week. Bruising and swelling – which can extend to the area under the eyes – are normal and should subside after a few weeks. Most patients feel comfortable enough to return to work after about 1 – 2 weeks, though bruising may still be present. Congestion is also a normal (but temporary) side effect of rhinoplasty surgery. Again, this symptom may take a few weeks to resolve. In most cases, patients can begin to see their newly enhanced nose shape after about 4 – 6 weeks, by which time a great deal of their swelling will have resolved, though the final outcome will continue to develop for up to 6 – 12 months. During this time, it is critical for patients to follow their recovery instructions closely.

Dos and don’ts for rhinoplasty recovery

To avoid unwanted complications, delayed healing, and an undesirable cosmetic outcome, patients should closely follow their surgeon’s rhinoplasty aftercare instructions. Some of the most important things patients should and shouldn’t do after nose surgery include:

• Do not smoke
• Sleep with your head elevated
• Do not touch your nose
• Do not wear glasses or sunglasses
• Do not blow your nose (use a gentle saline rinse for congestion instead)
• Do not submerge your nose
• Do not engage in strenuous physical exercise
• Take your medications as directed
• Attend all of your follow-up appointments

With these tips, patients can set themselves up for the most comfortable and successful rhinoplasty recovery possible, leading to beautiful, natural-looking, and long-looking results.

Fine-tune your look with rhinoplasty surgery in Greater Salt Lake City

If you feel like your nose doesn’t fit in with the rest of your facial features – or if your nasal anatomy is causing difficulty breathing or sleeping – rhinoplasty may be right for you. For more information on your rhinoplasty options, call Jerry Chidester, MD Plastic & Hand Surgery in Draper, UT to schedule your one-on-one consultation with experienced board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester today.