Rhinoplasty surgery helps patients improve the facial appearance, ensure the nose is proportional to the cheeks, chin, and other facial features, and correct structural defects of the nose. The surgery is beneficial for many men and women, particularly those who understand what to expect during the recovery process.
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is one of the world’s leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and he has comprehensive rhinoplasty surgery expertise. He understands that each rhinoplasty patient has a unique nose, yet his approach to nose surgery remains the same for all patients.
When it comes to rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh prioritizes patient education. He teaches nose surgery patients about the procedure itself, as well as rhinoplasty recovery. That way, Dr. Azizzadeh can help a rhinoplasty patient achieve a natural-looking nose.
What Happens After a Rhinoplasty Is Performed?
A nose job is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthetic. As such, a patient sometimes experiences side effects of anesthesia in the initial days after a rhinoplasty, such as memory lapses or delayed reaction time.
A rhinoplasty patient should arrange for someone to provide a ride home after nose surgery. This individual should also request help with personal care tasks in the first one to two days following a rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty surgery recovery requires bed rest, and a patient should keep the head elevated during this time. In doing so, a nose job patient helps minimize post-surgery swelling and bleeding.
In certain instances, internal dressings or a splint can be placed inside of a rhinoplasty patient’s nose to provide support during the recovery cycle. Internal dressings can be removed within a few days of a nose surgery, and a splint can be removed about one week after treatment.
Rhinoplasty patients commonly experience blood and mucus drainage after surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh sometimes attaches a piece of gauze with tape under a patient’s nose to absorb drainage during this time.
In terms of medication use after rhinoplasty surgery, it is important to follow the instructions provided by Dr. Azizzadeh. A patient should provide Dr. Azizzadeh with information about medication use prior to a nose job, and he can determine if any medication that an individual currently uses could interfere with rhinoplasty recovery.
Typically, a rhinoplasty patient should stay away from any medications that contain ibuprofen or aspirin for at least two weeks after a rhinoplasty, as these medications can increase a nose job patient’s risk of bleeding. Smoking should also be avoided after rhinoplasty surgery, due to the fact that it can slow the healing process and increase a patient’s risk of infection.
Does a Patient Need to Stay in a Hospital During Rhinoplasty Recovery?
Most rhinoplasty surgery patients can return home the same day as surgery. But in the event that a nose surgery patient experiences post-treatment nausea or other health issues that require monitoring, an overnight hospital stay is sometimes recommended.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Rhinoplasty Recovery Process?
Rhinoplasty patients generally require at least a week away from work, school, or other everyday activities after surgery. They often experience nasal swelling during this time that gradually disappears on its own. Thus, after about a week, rhinoplasty patients can resume most of their regular activities. And after about two to four weeks, rhinoplasty patients can usually resume any remaining everyday activities.
Will Scarring Occur After Rhinoplasty Surgery?
The risk of scarring varies based on the type of rhinoplasty surgery performed. In instances where a closed rhinoplasty surgery is completed, incisions are made inside the nostrils, which prevents external scarring. Or, in cases where an open rhinoplasty is performed, a small incision is made across a patient’s columella, tissue that connects the nasal tip to the nasal base.
Regardless of the type of rhinoplasty performed, Dr. Azizzadeh tries to limit scarring. He evaluates a patient to determine if open or closed rhinoplasty surgery is the best option based on the individual, then prepares a treatment plan accordingly.
When Do the Full Results of a Rhinoplasty Become Visible?
The full results of rhinoplasty surgery often become visible within about one to two years of treatment. Rhinoplasty surgery results are often permanent, but the natural aging process can affect a nose job patient’s appearance over time.
Tips to Ensure a Smooth Recovery from Rhinoplasty Surgery
Dr. Azizzadeh provides the following recommendations to help a patient minimize the risk of complications after rhinoplasty surgery:
- Keep the Surgical Incisions Clean: Patients should clean their surgical incisions with hydrogen peroxide at least once a day and apply antibiotic salves to these incisions and inside the nostrils twice a day.
- Use Cold and Warm Compresses: A cold compress can be placed over the eyes and cheeks for the first three days after a rhinoplasty. Then, a patient should use a warm compress on any areas where persistent bruising occurs.
- Avoid Strenuous Exercise: Jogging, aerobics, and other strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least three weeks after a rhinoplasty surgery.
- Choose Baths Over Showers: A bath often makes it simple for a patient to keep the nose dry in comparison to showers in the days following a nose job.
- Use Sunscreen: A nose job patient should apply sunscreen to the nose to reduce the risk of permanent skin discoloration.
By taking the necessary precautions during rhinoplasty recovery, a patient can boost the likelihood of achieving the optimal treatment results.
Schedule a Rhinoplasty Surgery Treatment Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh
Dr. Azizzadeh can meet with an individual to discuss rhinoplasty surgery and the associated recovery process. He can also help a person determine if a nose job or other facial rejuvenation treatment can help revitalize the facial appearance. To set up a facial rejuvenation treatment consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.