Rhinoplasty: What To Expect At Home Post Surgery

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is a popular and highly effective cosmetic surgery to improve the shape and size of the nose.

As with any surgery, some recovery time is involved after a rhinoplasty, so it is important to be aware of what to expect when you get home after the procedure.

When you first get home after rhinoplasty, putting your feet up and resting is essential. During the recovery period, your nose will be swollen, and any bruising should have begun to show up. Keep your head elevated during the weeks following the procedure, as this will reduce swelling on the face.

In the weeks directly following your rhinoplasty, there is usually a numb feeling in the nose, which is completely normal. Additionally, there may be some discoloration in the region near the tip of the nose, and this is to be expected.

Avoid any activities that may bump your nose during this healing time. Many patients experience drainage from the nose during the first one to two weeks after surgery. This drainage may be in the form of yellow to greenish-colored mucus and is usually caused by the body’s reaction to the surgery. Ensure that this drainage is coming from both nostrils to avoid any blockage.

Wearing an icepack or cold compress around the nose for the first couple of days after the procedure is recommended. This should help reduce any swelling and bruising.

There may also be some slight bleeding in the first few days, which should subside over time.

Contact your doctor if any of the following occurs after your rhinoplasty: Increased swelling in the area around the nose, intense pain that is not responding to medication, any tenderness or discoloration of the face, or any other visual or physical symptoms that change or worsen over time.

Overall, the recovery period following rhinoplasty is usually uneventful. Every patient will experience a different degree of swelling and bruising, which should subside over the weeks following the procedure. People must get plenty of rest in the weeks following rhinoplasty to ensure optimal recovery from this popular procedure.

Key Things To Do Post Rhinoplasty, for a Safe & Quick Recovery

1. Follow Dr. Ian MacArthur’s Post Op Care Instructions Carefully: Make sure you understand and comply with your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, including the use of antibiotics, rest, and activity levels.

2. Keep Your Head Elevated: Position your head in a slightly elevated position when lying down or sleeping to reduce swelling. A few pillows or a recliner can help.

3. Avoid Strenuous Activity: Minimize physical activity, strenuous exercise, and lifting.

4. Use Cold Compresses: Apply a cold compress around your face to reduce inflammation and swelling of the nasal area.

5. Practice Nasal Hygiene: Following your surgeon’s specific advice, use saline rinses and other hygienic measures to clean your nose and help prevent infection.

6. Take Your Medications As Prescribed: Follow your surgeon’s instructions for any antibiotics, pain medications, and other medications.

7. Eat Healthy: Consume a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink at least 8 cups of water daily.

8. Avoid Facial Creams: If prescribed, begin your moisturizing regimen a few days after your rhinoplasty, but avoid facial creams or lotions until your doctor allows them.

9. Wear A Splint: Wear a nasal splint while sleeping to protect the nose, as your surgeon prescribes.

10. Avoid Touching your Nose: Refraining from touching or bumping your nose can assist the healing process and reduce the risk of infection.

If you have a preferred surgery date, do not wait until it’s too late

New Age Medical Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery is a very active aesthetic practice. If you have a preferred surgery date, do not wait until it’s too late. Call (613) 595-1880 to reserve your consultation. Our Patient Coordinators are happy to help you.