Through extensive research and experience, I’ve been able to develop techniques that reduce patients’ downtime after rhinoplasty at my practice in Chicago, and help them heal as quickly as possible. Still, recovery after this surgery can be temporarily uncomfortable, as is expected with nearly any surgical procedure.
Patients can expect to feel tired and sore for at least a few days, along with some of these more specific symptoms. It’s important to be prepared before surgery, so patients know what to expect and are not alarmed by side effects.
Many of our patient are worried the recovery will be uncomfortable and that they’ll ruin the results if they sneeze or blow their nose even once. That’s not true, although you can take several steps to help your recovery go as smoothly as possible.
Here are a few of the most important things to consider when planning your recovery.
Keep your head elevated: Although we’ve developed specialized techniques to minimize discomfort and bruising, elevating your head will also help reduce swelling and speed your healing. You should sleep with your head elevated for the first 5 days after surgery. This can be as simple as placing a cushion at the head of the bed. Sitting completely upright is not necessary. Some patients find it’s easier to sleep in a recliner to keep their head elevated at night,
Apply ice packs: Cold, but not wet, compresses help reduce bruising during the 8 to 12 hours after surgery. After that, they can help relieve discomfort. Your nasal tissue is vulnerable after surgery, so be sure to use a lightweight cold pack and cover it with a cloth to prevent the cold from damaging your skin.
To maintain a steady supply, we recommend purchasing some gel ice packs in advance and placing them in the freezer the night before the procedure. You’ll find them in the health and wellness sections of major stores, pharmacies, and online sites. A low-cost alternative is two bags of frozen peas, which you can rotate in and out of the freezer, exchanging every 15 to 20 minutes. Bags of ice cubes work well too, though they can melt quickly, so make sure there are enough to last for 8 hours.
Expect pressure in the nasal area: During the first 5 to 7 days after the procedure, patients will experience unavoidable discomfort in the nasal area. This will include a feeling of pressure on the nasal tissues and sinuses, much like a head cold, and it’s most comfortable to breathe through the mouth.
To manage discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers are sufficient; the pressure will abate by the end of the first week of recovery. I suggest patients’ medicine cabinets are well-stocked a few days before surgery, so pain medication is available when needed.
Gently blow your nose: As we mentioned earlier, most patients believe they can’t blow their noses at all. We advise patients to blow gently when necessary. Most of our patients don’t need nasal packing unless extensive internal work is needed for breathing problems.
Hold off on strenuous workouts: They make you breathe hard and raise your heart rate, which disrupts your recovery. It’s a good idea to minimize your activities for a week, then gradually return to your normal exercise routine, avoiding any pressure on the face or bending the head below the hips for long periods. Contact sports should be avoided for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
This does not mean patients should remain sedentary as they heal. I encourage my patients to go for easy walks around their neighborhood as they feel comfortable. However, patients should always consult with their surgeon before resuming more strenuous physical activities.
Manage seasonal allergies: If patients typically experience seasonal allergies, they should proactively prepare by starting an allergy medication routine at least a week before surgery. This will begin to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and help manage allergy symptoms during recovery. It’s very important to let us know any medications you take, especially nasal sprays, to ensure nothing conflicts with the operative and postoperative medications or the healing process.
Watch for oozing or bleeding: Patients should experience very little discharge or blood coming from the nose, after the first few hours. If extensive bleeding occurs, especially after the first or second day after surgery, patients should immediately contact their surgeon.
Keep incisions clean: Clean the incision at the end of your nose and just inside twice daily with a wet cotton tip to remove all crusts, then apply an OTC antibiotic ointment. This will help prevent infection and keep the airway more open.
Good preparation for rhinoplasty surgery makes for a smoother recovery—and helps ensure the best possible result. (Review my patient photo gallery for inspiration.) I can’t emphasize enough how much more relaxed patients are when they know exactly what to expect before, during, and after their surgery.
While I take great strides to ensure my patients are thoroughly educated about the procedure and feel confident before they come in for surgery, it is always wise to read my related blog posts and ask me any questions beforehand.
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If you’re considering rhinoplasty surgery and searching for the best plastic surgeons in the Chicago area, we’d be happy to talk with you about your options. You can request a consultation with our online form or call us at (312) 561-3789 to schedule an appointment.
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