Rhinoplasty recovery tips on speeding up the process
In most people, nose job recovery takes about one year. The recovery process is different for every individual, but generally, it can be broken down into a timeline. By considering instructions, it is possible to speed up the healing process and ensure proper healing without complications.
16 tips on rhinoplasty recovery
If you are considering tips for speeding up your healing process and interested in ensuring proper healing without complications, we bring the following tips to your attention:
1.Consult with your doctor and follow the recommendations
Your doctor gives you instructions according to your condition. Therefore, the information you get from your surgeon can be found nowhere else. Take your prescribed medications on time and prevent infection at the surgical site by following the instructions. Go back for a follow-up examination on the date your doctor asks you to.
2.Don’t take anti-inflammatory medications
Don’t self-medicate. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs may seem a good idea to manage the pain, but these drugs are vasodilators and increase the swelling and healing time. Take painkillers according to your doctor’s instructions for pain management.
3.Pay attention to your body
Your doctor can only see the outside of your body and see the recovery progression. But you are the one that feels the inside. You may feel something is not right. Discuss this feeling with your doctor right away.
4.Keep your head upper than your body
Following 6 weeks after surgery, it is better for you to keep your head elevated. Sleeping on your side increases the recovery time by causing more swelling and bruising. On the other hand, it can lead to nose displacement, especially if you’ve had a silicone implant. Use several pillows or a foam wedge. If you move to your side in sleep, fix your head using a travel pillow or rolled-up towels around your head.
5.Compress with ice-packs
It is recommended to apply cold compresses in the first 3 days after surgery to subside the swelling. Apply the cold compress on your cheeks not directly to the nose. Direct compresses may lead to a shifting of the bones or cartilages.
6.Have adequate rest
Sleeping is difficult after surgery because the nose is swollen and congested. But resting is critical for recovery. Recovery consumes energy and your body restores the energy in sleep. Therefore, get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
7.Have a healthy balanced diet
The body needs nutrients to heal. You need proteins for the reconstruction of skin, bones, muscles, and cartilages. So, consume foods rich in protein such as meat, nuts, eggs, beans, soy milk, and dairy products like yogurt.
You also need vitamins to boost your immune system and tissue regeneration. Vitamin A can help your immune system to fight infections. This vitamin is found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. Vitamin C helps your body to regenerate collagen fibers. Collagen fibers are necessary for wound and fracture healing. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and citrus fruits are full of vitamin C and they should be part of your diet.
8.Spicy and salty foods are not recommended
Spicy foods can irritate your nose and sinuses and exasperate the swelling. Salt has the same effect on swelling by retaining the fluid. It is recommended to maintain a low-sodium diet for the first two weeks and avoid using chili powder in the first three weeks after surgery.
9.The shower should be postponed
Until you have bandages on your nose, take baths instead of showers. You shouldn’t direct water on your splint. But washing around the nose with soap and water is harmless.
10.Avoid from blowing your nose
Blowing your nose or sneezing may cause damage to your frail passages.
Following rhinoplasty, your nose gets congested because due to swelling. Accordingly, blowing your nose can worsen the situation.it is suggested to resist this feeling for about 6 weeks. To moisturize your nasal airways, your surgeon often will give you saline nasal spray. Besides, it is suggested to sneeze through your mouth during this period. Since you’re breathing through your mouth, your lips will dry so you can use lip balm to moisten your lips and drink cold beverages for your dry mouth.
11.Keep yourself cool
High-temperature affects the swelling in your nose. Hot soups and warm baths may help you to feel good, but it is suggested to avoid any kind of heat. It is recommended to eat cool or room-temperature meal for a few weeks. it is suggested to take a shower with the water slightly warmer than your body. Accordingly, heat and staying outside in hot weather is not prescribed.
12.Refrain from exercise
Physical activities are inhibited for six weeks after surgery. Even bending and lifting can cause more swelling and movement of unhealed bones and cartilages. Wait until your doctor allows you to resume activity and gently return to your workout routine. Even though vigorous activities are inhibited, light walks are recommended for supporting the lymphatic system and having a rapid recovery.
13.Don’t rest your glasses on your nose
Putting pressure on your nose when it’s healing can increase swelling and bruising. Additionally, it may make dents on your nose that can only be corrected in revision surgery. Use contacts instead of glasses. If you can’t wear contacts, use the lightest frame if you need to use glasses. You can also wear the glasses over the splint, although it is not recommended.
14.Don’t be exposed to the sunlight
Using sunscreen is recommended for skin protection against UV rays. It becomes more necessary after rhinoplasty. In weeks after surgery, your nose is more sensitive to sunlight and the probability of sunburn is higher. Also, sunlight darkens your scars and can make them permanent.
15.Smoking is prohibited
Exposure to smoke either firsthand or secondhand should be limited. Stopping smoking should be considered before and after surgery. Since smoking decreases the oxygen level in the blood and oxygen is crucial for healing. Moreover, nicotine restricts blood flow and interferes with blood clotting.
16.Don’t panic and have patience
Keeping calm and being patient is recommended.
The swelling may take one year to subside fully. The nose you see weeks after your surgery is not how you look after you heal completely. So have patience and wait for the final outcome. Your nose tip may feel hard at first because of the swelling. So, don’t worry about that, but if the feeling continued for several months, contact your doctor for advice. If you still feel anxious, make an appointment with your doctor and discuss your concerns.
Rhinoplasty recovery milestones
In most people, rhinoplasty recovery takes about one year. The recovery process is different for every individual, but generally, it is broken down to this timeline:
Iran as a hub for nose surgery
Iran is a well-known country for nose surgery. Advanced treatments and high-quality care in world-class hospitals make Iran as a pioneer country for a nose job. Many patients come to Iran for a safe and trustable nose job with the perfect and expert medical team as well as experienced and friendly manner staff. Exon Health Paradise Co. welcomes all patients from all over the world to Iran for receiving the best cosmetic surgeries including nose surgery. You will have a safe and unbeatable health journey to Iran.
Published by: Exon Medical Department
Date: 11/27/2019
2019 November 27