Rhinoplasty recovery time – stages and tips to speed up

Rhinoplasty recovery time – stages and tips to speed up

For a number of reasons, both men and women choose to have nose surgery. Many people feel that getting a nose job is primarily for cosmetic reasons, but there are other benefits to the procedure as well. It can help with respiratory issues, and in some cases, reshaping the nose can help with sinus issues and deviated septum issues.

Then, what about the recovery period?

After the procedure is completed, you may have some issues such as pain, discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Nevertheless, once your recovery stages are completed and done, it will be worth it to get the surgery because you will have a brand new appearance on your face.

What is the recovery time for rhinoplasty?

In most cases, the bones in your nose take roughly 6 weeks to heal after surgery. In that recovery period, you should avoid strenuous activity such as the activities that make your blood pressure high and sweat you. Furthermore, nasal edema can be caused by even seemingly harmless movements such as stretching, lifting, or bending over. So, during the period that you will fully recover, you are in control of your health and wellbeing. Long to short, if you follow any advice that your surgeon gives, you will heal up in 6 weeks and go on your normal routine mostly. Nevertheless, the total recovery time following rhinoplasty is one year.

Rhinoplasty recovery week by week

Rhinoplasty, sometimes known as a nose job, is a therapy that sculpts the shape of the nose both outwardly and internally for cosmetic and respiratory purposes. The goal, on the other hand, is to give the nose a natural appearance, as if it had never been altered, so that it perfectly balances the patient’s face. You will, however, be needed to rest for a period of time known as the post-rhinoplasty or recovery period, as with any cosmetic surgery.

So, here are certain recovery stages that you will experience week by week;

Week 1 

There will be an exterior plastic barrier to shield your nose from potencies for the first week, but it will be removed by day 5 or 6. When it is removed, you will be able to observe the changes performed by your surgeon. On the other hand, you may most likely experience some concerns such as swelling, soreness, or bruising, but they will all fade over time. Long to short, you will need to rest the first week following your surgery.

Week 2 

The second week is notable for its rapid success in swelling reduction. If there was any bruising, it should have faded by the end of the second week, so you should look great by then. Unless there has been significant reconstruction as a result of an accident, previous surgery, or breathing procedures, you should not need to see the doctor for a regular checkup for several weeks at that moment. You will be able to resume your usual behaviors in part due to the passage of time.

Week 3 

As healing progresses, soreness, bruising, and swelling should decrease by the third week. However, it may take a little longer; so, if you have these, don’t worry. Simply put, you may go about your everyday activities while remaining peaceful.

Despite the fact that the edema has not gone away completely, you will initially feel as if you are recovering. Additionally, some patients may have numbness or discomfort at this time; however, this is just temporary and will resolve as the tissues mend.

If you work out, you can restart cardiovascular exercises at this point, nevertheless, still you should not blow your nose strongly in this phase.

Week 4

Resistance workouts and strength training can be resumed by the fourth week because the bones should have stabilized. However, before resuming hard physical activity, consult with your facial plastic surgeon and general physician. However, the swelling will not go away completely, so don’t worry if you still have it. It is common to experience some pain and swelling in the first 4 to 6 weeks. It would be better for you to see your surgeon by the end of the fourth week to get an idea about whether you are doing well or not.

Rhinoplasty recovery tips

The usual recuperation period after rhinoplasty is one year. That may appear to be a lengthy period, but when broken down into a chronology, it becomes much more reasonable. On the other hand, if you believe that waiting 12 months is unreasonable, you may request to expedite the process. Is this something that can be done?

Yes, it is conceivable. All you have to do is keep a healthy lifestyle. As a result, there are a number of things you can do to make your plastic surgery recovery go more smoothly and quickly.

Here are some tips to follow:

  • You should keep your head up. Sleeping on your side after rhinoplasty is not only painful, but it can also cause more bruising and swelling, extending the healing time. Worryingly, it has the ability to relocate your nose. To avoid this, keep your head raised at night for the first 6 weeks after surgery.
  • To minimize swelling and boost the healing, use a cold compress for the first three days after surgery.
  • Get lots of rest, especially during the first several weeks of your rehabilitation.
  • Steamy showers, heated bowls of soup, and relaxing saunas may feel nice, but they aren’t so great for your swollen nose. Heat causes the tissues in your nose to swell even more, so stay cool.
  • Avoid from using tobacco products and consuming alcohol.
  • Drink plenty of water daily.

These are certain traits that you should follow to speed up the recovery process or run through the recovery stages in an easy and smooth way. Nevertheless, as each individual is special, the best advice will come from your body, you should listen!

How painful is the rhinoplasty recovery process?

At some time throughout the rhinoplasty recovery process, you will experience pain, discomfort, and swelling. However, it will not be any greater or stronger than a minor migraine pain. For example, individuals who report pain after surgery rate it as 4 out of 10 on a scale of 10. So, if you choose your clinic carefully, there is nothing to be worried about.

How to speed up healing after a rhinoplasty?

The basic things to consider to speed up the recovery period of rhinoplasty are directly linked to healthy lifestyle traits.

Here are certain elements that you should pay attention to;

  • Avoid smoking and alcohol.
  • Consume enough water.
  • Rest and stay calm in the first few days.
  • Sleep at least 7 to 8 hours each night in the upright position.
  • Avoid physical and strenuous movements.

References:

https://www.drfarrior.com/blog/13-tips-speed-up-rhinoplasty-recovery-time/

https://www.allure.com/story/rhinoplasty-everything-you-need-to-know

https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_eb0eflgn