Rhinoplasty Recovery
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, enhances facial harmony and the proportions of your nose. If you are researching the recovery, chances are you are already considering the procedure or perhaps you have already completed it.
During your rhinoplasty recovery, a splint and/or packing may be placed inside your nose and a splint or bandages placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing.
While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome.
Your face will feel puffy and the area around your eyes and nose will be bruised and swollen for several days. Cold compresses can help minimize the swelling and reduce pain, as well as pain medicine. It takes about 10 to 14 days before most of the swelling and bruising improves.
You may need to keep your head elevated and relatively still for the first few days after facial surgery. It may be several weeks before you can return to strenuous activities.
Tips to Shorten Rhinoplasty Recovery Time:
● Call with questions or concerns:
If you encounter problems along your road to recovery call Dr. Kotis and his team. An open line of communication between you and your doctor will lead to a safe and effective road to recovery.
- Don’t overdo activity:
Complications are more likely to occur if you ignore or forget post surgery instructions like not bending over, not lifting anything and not exercising to the point of raising the blood pressure. All of those can cause bleeding. (Walking around the house is fine and encouraged to keep circulation normal, but no strenuous or even moderate exercise until your surgeon clears you to do so. Strenuous exercise will likely be off the menu for 6 weeks or more.)
- Avoid bumps:
Young children or pets can bump into your healing nose, so be very careful holding them close or in your lap. You don’t want any setbacks to lengthen your rhinoplasty recovery time or ruin your results. If you wear prescription glasses or sunglasses, don’t allow them to rest on your nasal bridge until your surgeon gives the ok–you may need to tape them to your forehead above the nose.
If you live in the Chicago and Arlington area call Dr. Kotis with questions or concerns regarding this plastic surgery procedure.
Chicago – 847-250-0350
