Commonly referred to as nose job or nose reshaping, rhinoplasty is ranked among the world’s most requested cosmetic procedures. This procedure grants you a unique opportunity to alter your nose’s size and shape while correcting any deformity.

 

Just like other surgical procedures, you’ll need a few weeks to recover after having a nose job. Before you undergo this surgery, you must understand that you need a proper strategy to recover faster. A simple thing like sneezing after the surgery can affect your healing process. Here are a few tips that can enhance your healing process in various recovery timelines.

Pre-Surgery Preparations

 

Generally, the recovery process may last between six weeks and a year; in fact, it varies with the complexity of the surgery and patient. You should set realistic timeline expectations and give your body more time to heal.

 

Immediately after the surgery, your nose will be swollen and bleeding; plus its new shape may not be visible. This means that you may have to stay indoors for a while and nurse yourself to health; you should start your preparation a few weeks before your surgery date. Start by ensuring your INR, creatine, electrolytes, and hemoglobin levels are normal before the surgery, as it determines your chances of undergoing the surgery earlier.

 

Secondly, make sure you have a friend or family member to take care of you at home while recovering. Most importantly, take a few days off from the office and prepare for the procedure and the first three or four weeks of the recovery stage.

 

Since you’re not allowed to be active after the procedure, you should get some ice packs and sleeping aids before going under the knife. Last but not least, get more than enough easy-to-digest foods and store them in your home.

Immediate Post-Surgery Care

During this procedure, the surgeon uses several techniques, including spreader grafting, to expand your internal nasal valve angle. The spreader graft can also come in handy when straightening your nasal bridge, especially your mid-dorsum. Post-surgery care can play a huge role in the outcome of the procedure. Make sure you find out more information about rhinoplasty spreader grafts before undergoing the procedure.

 

Sudden facial movements can hinder your healing process and even open healing wounds. Remember, you’ll have staples or stitches in the incisions inside your mouth and nose. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but the doctor will remove the staples within the first week. To help you deal with the bleeding, the surgeon will put some packing materials in your nose and a nasal drip pad.

 

Your surgeon will show you how to change the drip pad when necessary, but you’ll have to be careful not to remove the plastic splint holding the spreader graft in place. Once the bleeding stops or after 48 hours, the doctor will remove the nasal drip pad and packing materials.

 

Some of the pre-operative guidelines that you’ll get from your doctor include avoiding physical strain and getting enough rest. You’ll also have to keep your head elevated while taking your pain medication during the first 48 hours, as sudden movements can cause more harm than good.

 

While still healing, you should stay away from anti-inflammatory drugs as they can slow down your healing process. These drugs can dilate your blood vessels and worsen your situation. Instead, you should use cold presses to deal with the swelling and discomfort.

Week 1 to Week 4: Early Recovery Phase

The first initial weeks after the surgery are crucial to your recovery period. During that time, you’ll notice a change in the color of the bruises and a reduction in swelling. Your bruises’ color may change from purple to green and finally yellow while they’re healing. The changes in color shouldn’t worry you as they indicate your healing progress.

 

To accelerate the healing process, avoid a high-salt diet and spicy foods; instead, you should eat highly nutritious meals. Spicy foods cause inflammation and swelling while delaying your recovery process.

Long-Term Recovery and Maintenance

The recovery process can extend for up to a year, but after six months, the swelling will have largely gone with your nose’s shape more defined. During the six months, you should continue taking care of your healing nose and monitoring your diet.

 

To avoid scar tissue formation, you should follow your surgeon’s wound care advice and restrictions, as it can prevent your nose from shaping up. Doing simple things like massaging your nasal region can break down the tissue formation process. You can also apply some topical treatments like silicone gels to prevent scar formation.

 

After three months, you can start getting back to your normal life, but make sure you talk to your doctor before you start doing some strenuous activities. A good night’s sleep can help you heal faster, and to avoid further swelling, you should sleep on your back. You can elevate your head and keep it above your chest levels using 3 pillows.

Endnote

A rhinoplasty (Also known as Nasen OP) is an exceptional cosmetic procedure that can help you repair a deformity while improving your nose’s size and shape. Unfortunately, the healing process can last up to 12 months, but with the above strategies, you can even take less time. All you have to do is sleep with your head elevated and avoid spicy and salty foods while following your doctor’s guidelines. Cold presses can help keep the swelling down, and bleeding will cease 48 hours after the surgery. From there, you can follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent scar tissue formation.