Nose Surgery by a top nose surgeon is one part of getting the best rhinoplasty results. Once your surgery is completed, you still need to go through the post-surgery recovery process. As your nose and the surrounding tissues heal, you’ll have some swelling and bruising. It can be difficult to wait until your final results are visible. Here are some things you can do for recovery after nose surgery to ensure your healing process goes smoothly and with as little discomfort as possible.

How to Prepare for the Best Nose Surgery

Things To Be Done Before Surgery

Go Shopping and prepare a restful place to recover – Create a Relaxing Environment, collect all your Medical Supplies, including all over-the-counter medicines, ointments, mouthwashes, cotton swabs, and tissues) and purchase all your personal supplies and groceries. Put them near your bedside.
Confirm your ride to & from surgery: Find a responsible person. Arrange for a ride to or from your procedure as you won’t be able to drive. make sure that you will have a ride a week in advance of your procedure.
Organize your care and support on the first few days: Arrange for someone to accompany you on the first days of recovery after nose surgery at home to make sure you are comfortable and to help prepare your food, medicine, and any other needs
Prepare soft and loose clothing to wear after the operation. You may want to wear a hoodie and scarf. Elastic waist pants, button-down shirts, and slip-on shoes are good items you plan to wear.
Eat well in the days before surgery: Eat nutritious meals. Add lots of healthy snacks, like fruits or nuts, intermittently between meals. Your appetite will decrease after the surgery and you cannot eat on the day of your procedure. Hence eat well before surgery.
Exercise for the first few days, then take it easy leading up to surgery: If you feel nervous during the procedure, exercise can help you be calmer. During the first month of recovery after nose surgery, you will not be able to exercise that much, so jog a little and do whatever you need to do to relieve tension before surgery. Then relax in the last few days.
Vitamin C should be taken at least once a day for at least a week before surgery because vitamin C can help you to heal.

Activities for the Day before Before Nose Surgery

Get a good night’s sleep before surgery: If you have the opportunity, take a nap during the afternoon. Let your mind and body rest during the day because you’ll be more relaxed.
Hydrate: The amount of water you drink may be double than usual. Drinking plenty of water helps the body function better at the cellular level.
Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap, and consider using a mild scrub every other day to remove dead skin, and then use a mild moisturizer. Everyone knows that no matter what plan you have, you should wash your face twice a day but this week take it extra seriously.
Brush your teeth twice a day: It is one of the things to be considered seriously this week. Be more thorough and don’t overuse it, because opening your mouth may feel uncomfortable during the early recovery process after nose surgery. You should also pay attention to oral hygiene during the rhinoplasty recovery time, and try your best to keep your mouth clean.

What to Avoid Before Nose Surgery

Do not drink alcohol one week before the operation. Just don’t do it. Alcohol can dehydrate you, weaken your immune system, and often affect your recovery. Find other ways to relax a week before surgery.
Do not smoke during the week before surgery or during recovery
Do not take aspirin or other blood-thinning medications.
Stop using topical cream on your face at least 4 days before the operation. Use only simple cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid using salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and other medicated creams. If you’re not sure, ask Dr. Turner about your skincare regimen.
Before and after the operation, avoid getting sunburnt or prolonged exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet rays can damage the skin and complicate the healing process.
Do not eat or drink anything from midnight before the day of surgery
Don’t be anxious. Before having nose surgery, many people feel nervous, which is normal. Relax and Don’t let those nerves make you anxious. Worrying will not improve your results, you will be fine.

Top Recovery Tips after nose surgery for the Best Rhinoplasty Results

Listen to Dr. Turner: Dr. Turner will provide you with detailed plans and post-operative guidance, explaining which drugs should be taken and activities that should be avoided. Please be sure to follow the advice, this is very important.
Attend all scheduled postoperative appointments: Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Turner to monitor your recovery. Even if you feel good and are recovering quickly, don’t skip the post-operative appointment you set. Missing these follow-up activities may mean losing the opportunity to look for problems and delay recovery.
Don’t blow your nose After Rhinoplasty surgery: You will experience nasal congestion (caused by inflamed tissue) for several weeks. You must resist blowing your nose to ensure that they do not interfere with healing. To sneeze, it is recommended that you sneeze through your mouth to protect the fragile nasal passages.
Have Lots of rest: As usual, rest is an important part of recovery after nose surgery. Get enough sleep at night and seek help with daily chores and household chores. This ensures that all the energy in your body can be used for self-repair.
Raise your head: During the first 1-3 weeks, raising your head while sleeping can limit further bruising and swelling. After the operation, sleep with head support for six weeks to speed recovery.
Apply a cold pack but not an icepack: Apply a cold pack to swelling for a few days after this procedure. Apply the compress to the cheeks rather than the nose, which can inadvertently displace bone and cartilage.
Avoid sunlight: It is always recommended not to expose yourself to the sun for a long time, but it is especially important after nose surgery. Excessive sunlight can cause scars to darken and increase swelling.
Do not wear glasses: Anything that puts pressure on the nose can cause additional bruising and swelling, including glasses. If possible, switch to contact lenses; otherwise, use the lightest frame only when necessary.
No smoking after surgery: You must stop smoking two weeks before and as long as possible after rhinoplasty. Nicotine restricts blood flow, interferes with your body’s recovery, and increases your risk of complications.
Rest & Be Patient: First of all, be patient. You will heal and get the desired rhinoplasty effect, which will take time. Following the above steps will not turn a one-year recovery process into a one-week recovery process, but it can help speed up work and improve the postoperative experience.

What to eat for Recovery after Nose Surgery

Focus on Nutrition and Eating Well: A healthy and balanced diet can help healing. A diet rich in protein and vitamins is essential to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to recover. Protein is an important part of skin, muscle, cartilage, and blood. A diet consisting of nuts, meat, eggs, yogurt, fish, and other protein-rich foods will help your body rebuild the damaged tissues around the nose.
Take Vitamins – Make sure that you have enough vitamins in your diet, namely vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is commonly found in dark leafy vegetables like spinach and cabbage. It is a powerful immune booster that can help you fight infection after surgery. Vitamin C plays an important role in the regeneration of collagen (the protein that connects the skin tissue). Good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
Avoid spicy food: The first three weeks are vital for recovery from rhinoplasty. Any irritation of the nose or nasal cavity can cause complications. Please avoid spicy foods during this period. Spices like chili powder can irritate your sinuses and make swelling worse. Irritating the nose will prolong the healing time.
Limit your salt intake: Salt increases fluid retention, which can increase swelling during the recovery process. You can minimize swelling by taking a low-sodium diet for the first two weeks after surgery. You should already plan to eat nutritious fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and high-fiber foods. The sodium content of these foods is naturally low.

Returning To Exercise and Going Back to Work after Nose Surgery

Avoid vigorous exercise and gym work post surgery: Your nose is very fragile after surgery. Start with gentle walks and build up your exercising. Exercise is generally recommended only after six weeks. Check with your surgeon before going back to your Gym exercise routine.
Take the recommended time off work for your occupation – Some people believe they won’t need the recommended two weeks off work to recover. However, it’s crucial not to underestimate the time you’ll need to heal. At the very least, you should plan to take 10 days off from your job to recover from rhinoplasty. Trying to go back to work too soon may do more harm than good and cost you recovery time. Avoid vigorous work too early.

Key Tips for Recovery After Nose Surgery

Follow these useful tips for a better recovery after a nose job:

1. Sleep with your head elevated

This is important for reducing swelling, but also to make sure you don’t put your nose out of place. Keep yourself elevated on several pillows – use a travel pillow if you think you’ll have trouble facing upwards. You can also sleep in a reclining chair if this is easier.

2. Don’t exercise too hard or play sports

Sports such as jogging, cycling, or swimming are dangerous for the ﬁrst few weeks following rhinoplasty. You need to avoid these altogether for this amount of time, and instead concentrate on getting plenty of rest. After your first check-up about a month after surgery, your Dr. Turner will advise when you can recommence exercise.

3. Don’t blow your nose

You shouldn’t blow your nose at all for the first few weeks, but preferably up to six weeks, following your surgery. It can cause nose bleeds. While you can expect some blood at ﬁrst, you will speed up your rhinoplasty recovery time if you don’t put any strain on your nose. If you need to sneeze, try to sneeze through your mouth rather than your nose.

Questions about Recovery after Nose Surgery – FAQs

How painful is rhinoplasty recovery?

Most people ﬁnd that rhinoplasty surgery is less painful than they expected. You are likely to experience mild to moderate discomfort during the early stages of your rhinoplasty recovery. This can easily be controlled with regular painkillers like paracetamol or codeine. Do not take aspirin as this can prevent the blood from clotting, slowing down your rhinoplasty recovery time.

How long will my nose hurt after rhinoplasty?

Pain at any intensity will usually last for only 36 to 72 hours, but may last longer if the nose is manipulated or bumped. Your nose may remain tender or sensitive to touch, however, for up to three months.

What is the nose job recovery time like?

After surgery, there will be some swelling. The swelling can take many months to resolve, although most people stop noticing it after a couple of months. People are usually back to performing most activities after a week and resuming all activities after two to four weeks.

Can I brush my teeth after rhinoplasty?

Do not brush your teeth for two weeks following rhinoplasty. If your nose is running, gently dab it with a tissue. Brush your teeth carefully. Because your upper lip is connected to your nose, you’ll move your nose if you brush too aggressively.

Can I sleep on my side after a nose job?

During your rhinoplasty recovery time, your nose will be delicate and malleable, so it is important not to sleep on your stomach or side, which can put pressure on your nose. This will not only cause discomfort but may also compromise your results. To reduce swelling, you should keep your head elevated as you sleep.

Can I touch my nose after rhinoplasty?

It’s only natural that you get curious about how their nose looks and feels after rhinoplasty. Nonetheless, it’s not a good idea to poke, push, or touch your nose during the healing process. This may misalign the nasal tissues, hurt, or even undo the results accomplished from the nose job surgery.

What happens at 3 weeks post-op rhinoplasty?

Three weeks post-rhinoplasty, about 70 percent of swelling is gone. This is the time when you start to recognize the changes and begin to appreciate the new shape of his or her nose. It’s ok, actually quite normal, to feel a little self-conscious at this time.

How soon can I go back to work after rhinoplasty?

The majority of swelling should start to subside within 3-days. you are able to go back to work (or school) just one week after their rhinoplasty. Ease into more strenuous activities. You’ll be able to return to social engagements within 2-3 weeks post-op with no visible signs of stitches or scarring.

How long do you wear bandages after a nose job?

Typically, you are required to wear a nose bandage for one to seven days following surgery. you may also need to take baths instead of showers while you have bandages inside the nose.

When do stitches come out after rhinoplasty?

Usually, Dr. Turner will use dissolvable sutures inside the nose which will disappear on their own within a few weeks. Any external sutures should be kept clean and dry. If non-dissolvable sutures are used on external incisions, they should be removed within 5 to 7 days after surgery (at the time of splint removal).

When can you breathe through your nose after septoplasty?

After the packing has been removed, you may breathe through the nose, but are not to blow or sneeze through the nose for 7 to 10 days. If the person must sneeze, they should open their mouth. You can expect some light blood-tinged drainage from the nose for several days.

How should I sleep after rhinoplasty?

Sleeping in an elevated position is best. This reduces swelling and cuts down on post-rhinoplasty congestion. If you sleep on your side, the lower nostril will likely become plugged while you sleep, and since you can’t blow your nose, this congestion can be uncomfortable. Sleeping on your back in an elevated position is the best-case scenario for post-rhinoplasty sleep. Grab some extra pillows! If you have a recliner, call dibs and make it your temporary bed for a few days after surgery.

When can I sleep flat after rhinoplasty?

You should sleep with your head elevated for at least 2 days. However, if you can tolerate it, sleep elevated for a week or two post-surgery.

How long does the tip stay swollen after rhinoplasty?

While every patient and every procedure is different, most of the swelling will go down within the first month following surgery, and about 90% of all swelling should subside within the first three months.

How fragile is the nose after rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty surgery, your nose will be extra vulnerable as a result of the changes made to this structure. Your bones, cartilage, and surrounding tissues will be more fragile as they heal, sometimes for up to a year after surgery

How long after rhinoplasty can I fly?

In general, those who have undergone a rhinoplasty procedure should wait at least one week before flying on an airplane. You should focus on rest and very light activity during the first couple of days of your recovery.

Does taping nose help swelling?

Taping can be effective to subside the swelling and shrink the skin down. It doesn’t, however, affect the form of the nose. If you notice that your nose is shrinking after the surgery, it’s because the swelling is going down.

How long does it take for a nose job to look normal?

Straight away after your surgery, you can expect a lot of bruising and swelling, and your nose will be in a plaster cast. The cast is usually removed after one week, and most of the bruising and swelling will subside within the ﬁrst two weeks of your rhinoplasty recovery time.

Medical References – Recovery after Nose Surgery

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

Enquire to find out more about your surgery
Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

A GP Referral is required to Consult with Dr Turner (under new AHPRA Regulations)
Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral

Making The Most Of Your Consultation

Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided

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How to Book Your Consultation

You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment

BOOK A PHONE CALL FOR MORE INFO

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Contact us or call on 1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.

Email us for more information: enquiries@drturner.com.au

Recovery after Nose Surgery – Best Tips – Do’s and Dont’s