How to Keep Your Nose Safe During Daily Activities While Recovering

The transformations — both physically and psychologically — that are possible with rhinoplasty surgery can be life-changing, from enhancing a person’s appearance to boosting their self-esteem and even improving their quality of sleep. However, ensuring a safe and proper healing process is critical for achieving optimal results. Here, members of The Rhinoplasty Society share helpful tips and guidelines for protecting your healing nose during rhinoplasty recovery to avoid unwanted complications, including compromising your potential results and the need for a second or subsequent revision procedure.

What should I know about rhinoplasty recovery?

Because each rhinoplasty surgery is customized to help meet the patient’s needs and goals, the details of the procedure and the subsequent recovery will vary somewhat from person to person. In some cases, for example, some patients may require a splint or cast following rhinoplasty surgery, while others may not. Still, there are some general aspects of rhinoplasty recovery that are fairly similar across the board — including the need to protect your delicate and healing nasal tissues during everyday activities. If you are considering rhinoplasty surgery, keep in mind these important things to avoid during your rhinoplasty recovery:

Blowing your nose

Believe it or not, the pressure caused by something as simple as blowing your nose can cause significant damage to the healing structures of the nose following rhinoplasty surgery. If you feel congested after nose surgery, avoid blowing your nose and instead use a gentle saline rinse for relief.

Wearing glasses

The weight of glasses or sunglasses is another factor patients are often surprised to find can be damaging to the nose following rhinoplasty surgery. If you wear prescription glasses, plan ahead for your rhinoplasty recovery by looking into special devices like handheld glasses, headbands, and others.

Playing sports

In most cases, patients should refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activity, exercise, and especially sports and contact sports for several weeks or months after rhinoplasty – or as recommended by your surgeon.

Interacting with children

Parents or teachers of young children should take extra care around little ones while the nose is healing, as it is fairly common for elbows, chins, and heads to accidentally bump the nose.

Swimming

Following rhinoplasty surgery, patients should avoid swimming and/or submerging the head. In the first several days or weeks, your surgeon may also recommend avoiding getting the nose wet, including while showering.

How long will my nose take to heal after rhinoplasty surgery?

Generally speaking, rhinoplasty recovery can take several months, with some residual swelling remaining for up to a year. To set yourself up for as efficient and successful of a healing process as possible, be sure to:

• Avoid the activities listed above
• Attend all of your postoperative follow-up appointments
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely
• Take medications as directed
• Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated
• Avoid nicotine, alcohol, and excess caffeine

With healthy habits and adherence to your rhinoplasty recovery guidelines, you can set yourself up for a successful outcome you can enjoy for years to come.

Get the nose you’ve always wanted — and the one you deserve — with rhinoplasty surgery

Whether your nose is interfering with your ability to breathe or sleep comfortably, or it is simply a cosmetic nuisance, rhinoplasty may be appropriate and effective for you. For more information about your options for cosmetic or functional rhinoplasty surgery, contact a member of The Rhinoplasty Society in your area today.