What To Expect While Recovering From Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty Recovery

The mission of Ward Institute is to improve lives by inspiring confidence, and the most common surgeries Dr. Ward performs to fulfill that mission are rhinoplasties. Rhinoplasties change the shape of the nose. For some, the motivation to receive a rhinoplasty is medical, as they hope to improve their breathing ability or repair a previous nose injury. Others’ motives are cosmetic, looking for a nose-shape that (in their opinion) beautifies their face in a way that their current nose-shape cannot.

Either way, rhinoplasty can greatly benefit an individual, which is why it’s important to know what to expect while recovering from rhinoplasty.

Because impressionable, soft tissue along and in the nose is being cut and moved, complete swelling may not disappear for up to a year. Although that is a considerable amount of time, recovery actually begins rather quickly.

For about a week after rhinoplasty surgery, a patient will have bandages and a splint surrounding their nose. But after those first seven days, the splint and bandages will be removed.

Noticeable signs of surgery will also disappear after just a week, unless you develop bruising under and around your eyes, which does happen. If this is the case, you should expect to wait another week for your bruises and major swelling to begin dissipating.

To avoid prolonging your bruises and swelling–and to even avoid additional bruises and swelling–make sure to sleep with your head elevated. This can be done by stacking multiple pillows, wearing a round travel pillow, or by sleeping in a recliner. It may not be the comfiest-sounding situation, but by doing what it takes to earn a quicker rhinoplasty recovery time, you’ll be happy in the end.

After three to four weeks after your surgery, you can start participating in cardiovascular activities again, like jogging and swimming. After six weeks, you can begin taking part in resistance-type workouts, wearing your glasses, and blowing your nose once more. This is important: do not wear glasses prior to this six-week mark. Doing so can add unhelpful bruising and swelling to the recovery process.

Additionally, do not blow your nose until six weeks after your rhinoplasty, no matter how strong the temptation may be. Such a forceful act can damage your fragile and vulnerable nose tissue. Instead, use a nasal spray until six weeks have passed.

After three to six months into your rhinoplasty recovery time, any numbness or unusual sensations that still exist should subside and after a year, you should expect your nose to be completely healed.

For more information regarding rhinoplasties and potential rhinoplasty recovery time, call 801-513-3223 or fill out a consultation form to meet with Dr. Ward today.

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