What to Expect After Rhinoplasty Surgery
In most cases, rhinoplasty recovery is simple. Following a nose job, Dr. Azizzadeh works closely with his patient. That way, Dr. Azizzadeh can ensure that his patient can achieve their desired nose surgery results.
The initial nose surgery recovery period requires about seven to 10 days. After this period, a patient can return to work or school. Within three to four weeks of a rhinoplasty, post-treatment bruising and swelling will disappear. At this point, the patient will be ready to attend birthday parties, weddings, graduation ceremonies, and other social events.
Nose Job Recovery Day by Day
Rhinoplasty recovery day by day varies based on the patient. Dr. Azizzadeh discusses the recovery period before a nose job is performed. He helps his patients prepare for the challenges they may face during this period. Dr. Azizzadeh also remains accessible and encourages his patients to reach out with concerns and questions during this time frame.
The first day of rhinoplasty recovery can be the most challenging. Dr. Azizzadeh can prescribe medication to help his patient manage their post-rhinoplasty pain. And, the patient should apply a cold compress to the nose hourly when awake for the first three days after surgery. Following the initial 72 hours after rhinoplasty, pain should significantly subside.
The most common nose surgery recovery symptoms that patients report include:
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- Dull aching
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Swelling
- Bruising
Furthermore, nose bandages or a nose cast can be removed one week after surgery. At this time, a patient can resume their typical everyday activities.
Although a patient can resume their normal activities after about seven days, it is important to note that he or she will need to limit physical activity for up to four to six weeks after a rhinoplasty. Dr. Azizzadeh recommends no heavy exercise or yoga for approximately three weeks after nose surgery and no heavy lifting for up to four weeks. Dr. Azizzadeh can provide clearance to let his patient know when it is safe to restart their regular workout routine.
Bruising and Swelling After Rhinoplasty Surgery
Bruising and swelling can occur during rhinoplasty recovery. The amount of bruising and swelling depends on the patient and the work performed on their nose.
Usually, bruising subsides within about seven days after nose surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh recommends Arnika Forte supplements, which can help patients limit post-rhinoplasty bruising. Arnika Forte can be purchased at the CENTER during a pre-op visit. It is also available at most pharmacies and does not require a prescription.
Swelling can last three to four weeks after a nose job. The majority of post-rhinoplasty swelling will subside within about six weeks of treatment. At this time, a patient can begin to see the results of their rhinoplasty.
A rhinoplasty patient then will see full results roughly one year after surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh monitors his patient’s results in the weeks and months after a nose job. He asks rhinoplasty patients to share any concerns or questions during post-surgery follow-ups.
Patience is a virtue, and Dr. Azizzadeh recommends rhinoplasty patients try to remain calm throughout their nose surgery recovery. He explains the recovery process to his patients and addresses patients’ concerns and questions before surgery. Plus, Dr. Azizzadeh will review his patient’s nose as part of a consultation, which enables him to provide his patient with an estimated recovery timeline.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Do's and Don'ts
Dr. Azizzadeh does everything possible to prepare his patients for rhinoplasty recovery day by day. He recommends several recovery do’s and don’ts for nose surgery patients, including:
Do’s:
- Follow all postoperative instructions
- Keep the head elevated
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid strenuous activity
- Get sufficient rest
Don’ts:
- Go tanning
- Bump the nose
- Blow the nose and/or sneeze
- Smoke
- Engage in strenuous activity
If rhinoplasty recovery becomes too much to handle, but Dr. Azizzadeh can provide assistance. Dr. Azizzadeh wants each nose surgery patient to achieve a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance. To accomplish this goal, he partners with his patients throughout the nose surgery recovery cycle.
If nose surgery patients encounter complications during the recovery period, Dr. Azizzadeh can address these issues right away. Dr. Azizzadeh also tracks nose surgery recovery and ensures that his patients can streamline the recovery process.
Tips to Improve Your Rhinoplasty Recovery
Dr. Azizzadeh recommends each patient follow nose surgery recovery instructions closely. By doing so, a patient can boost their chances of a stress- and worry-free recovery from nose surgery.
Here are some of Dr. Azizzadeh’s top nose job recovery day by day tips:
- Follow all of the pre-rhinoplasty instructions very carefully. Dr. Azizzadeh provides rhinoplasty guidelines at his patient’s pre-op appointment.
- Fill any prescriptions and buy any recovery supplies prior to your surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh will provide prescriptions and recommend other recovery supplies at his patient’s pre-op appointment.
- Follow all of Dr. Azizzadeh’s post-rhinoplasty instructions completely and carefully.
- Have a friend or family member provide support for the first 24 hours following surgery. Some patients even opt to stay at an aftercare facility.
- Make it to all follow-up appointments with Dr. Azizzadeh. Even if a patient feels fine, it is important to see Dr. Azizzadeh for all follow-up appointments, so he can examine the patient and ensure that everything is healing properly.
- Be open and honest with Dr. Azizzadeh. If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Azizzadeh.
- Be patient during the recovery process. It can be frustrating to wait for post-rhinoplasty bruising and swelling to subside, but it will! And once it does, a patient may realize that it was worth the wait.
Dr. Azizzadeh wants to do everything possible to help a rhinoplasty patient enjoy a seamless recovery. If a nose surgery patient has any concerns or questions during the recovery period, he is happy to respond to them.
Rhinoplasty Recovery FAQs
A: The rhinoplasty recovery period varies based on the patient. In most instances, a patient should expect to see the full results of a nose surgery within one to two years of treatment.
A: Recovery time can vary for a teenage rhinoplasty, Asian rhinoplasty, and other types of nose jobs. Regardless of nose surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh can evaluate his patient before treatment and provide an estimated recovery time frame.
A: Bruising and swelling are common in the initial days following a rhinoplasty. However, these post-rhinoplasty symptoms should subside on their own within about 10 to 14 days of surgery. Swelling may take longer to subside, depending on the patient.
Dr. Azizzadeh recommends a rhinoplasty patient avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least one month after surgery, too. He can also provide a rhinoplasty patient with other instructions to help him or her make a full recovery.
A: A patient’s nose will be delicate in the weeks after a nose surgery. So, a patient should be cautious about blowing their nose following treatment. After rhinoplasty surgery, blowing the nose can cause bleeding and put a patient at risk of infection. Therefore, a patient should avoid blowing their nose for about four weeks after surgery.
A: Sleeping on the side or front can displace the bones in the nose following a rhinoplasty. Thus, Dr. Azizzadeh recommends his patients avoid sleeping on their side or front for the first few weeks after nose surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh also recommends a rhinoplasty patient sleep with the head elevated. A patient can use two to three extra pillows to elevate their head while sleeping, which can reduce facial swelling for the first few weeks following surgery.
A: Glasses can put pressure on the bridge of the nose after a rhinoplasty procedure. Dr. Azizzadeh requires patients to refrain from wearing glasses and/or sunglasses for about six weeks after surgery.
A: Yes. Dr. Azizzadeh requests regular follow-up appointments in the weeks and months after a nose surgery to ensure that his patient’s recovery stays on track.
A: Dr. Azizzadeh strives to help a patient enjoy a safe, effective recovery period after a nose job. To achieve this goal, Dr. Azizzadeh performs patient evaluations during follow-up appointments. Dr. Azizzadeh also uses follow-up appointments to learn about his patients’ symptoms and address these issues before they escalate.
A: Myths persist that it takes a patient several weeks or months before he or she can breathe through the nose after rhinoplasty surgery. However, in most instances, a patient can breathe through the nose immediately after nose surgery.
Swelling and bruising are common following a rhinoplasty, but they should not interfere with a patient’s ability to breathe through their nose. If a patient is struggling to breathe through their nose after a rhinoplasty, consult with a doctor immediately.
A: The rhinoplasty recovery process often takes about six months to complete. Following a nose job, a patient can experience bruising or swelling in the nose and eyes; these symptoms usually last a few days and disappear on their own.
A nose surgery patient is often asked to avoid strenuous activity for up to six weeks after treatment. Meanwhile, if a nose surgery patient has concerns or questions during the recovery cycle, reaching out to Dr. Azizzadeh can be beneficial.
Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh Today
Dr. Azizzadeh is a Harvard-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Many celebrities, CEOs, and other prominent individuals have visited the CENTER to have Dr. Azizzadeh perform their rhinoplasty procedure. And, Dr. Azizzadeh is available to evaluate a patient and determine if he or she is a good candidate for a nose job or other facial rejuvenation treatment. To learn more or request a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.