Recovery After Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty patients recover in about one week and can return to work at that time. Following your nose job, you’ll receive detailed home care instructions concerning diet, what medications to avoid, and what activities to avoid. This will help you have a comfortable, smooth, successful recovery. Most patients report having mild discomfort following their rhinoplasty; this is mostly due to feeling congested for the first 24-48 hours.
When sleeping you should elevate your head using two or three pillows. Additionally, you will need to avoid lowering your head below your heart and blowing your nose. Dr. Reitzen will inform you when it is safe to drive again.
Rest is very important in the weeks following your surgery. Only light activity should be performed: you will need to avoid all strenuous activity for a minimum of two weeks. This includes lifting weights, running, aerobic exercise, and riding a bike — however, you can walk daily for short periods of time. Dr. Reitzen will inform you when it is safe to increase your level of exercise and walking distance.
You can brush your teeth after rhinoplasty, but make sure to brush them gently. You may wash your hair the day after your rhinoplasty procedure as long as you keep your head elevated above your heart the entire time.
You will need to wear a bandage and splint for up to seven days. Some patients experience bruising that lasts for up to two weeks, and the majority of swelling improves within approximately six weeks. Six weeks is also the time mark where the bones will have healed. Full healing will take approximately 5-6 months, and sometimes longer.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled (typically at the one and two-week marks, followed by intermittent visits) and Dr. Reitzen can answer any questions you might have regarding your recovery.
Rest is very important in the weeks following your surgery. Only light activity should be performed, and when sleeping you should elevate your head using two or three pillows.