The Truth About Recovery from a Nose Job

Hundreds of thousands of people wish to change their facial appearances and, for many, do so by starting with their noses. Rhinoplasty has helped many people feel great about their appearance. However, many still are concerned about the recovery process. To make matters worse, there are many rumors about how long it actually takes to recover and what happens during recovery. Here is a brief summary of the truth about what to expect from a recovering nose job.

Immediately After Surgery

Immediately following the surgery, a splint will be placed on the nose to keep the structure stable for the first week. If packing is used during surgery, it is removed the following morning. The patient’s face will subsequently feel swollen and generally prescription pain medication will be required.

The patient will most likely experience bruising and minor puffiness around the eyes that will be managed with cold compresses to reduce the bruising and discomfort. Nasal dressing, splints, and sutures are all generally removed within the first week after the patient’s rhinoplasty.

Post-Op Recovery

During post-operative recovery, it is imperative that the patient follows the surgeon’s instructions. These instructions may include directives to keep the patient’s head elevated for a certain period and to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. In addition to avoiding activity, patients will be directed to avoid sun exposure and risk of injury.

For patients that wear glasses, special arrangements will be made to ensure that the glasses do not affect the bridge of the nose. In order to expedite the healing process, tape is sometimes used to permit the wearing of glasses without stressing the surgical area.

Follow-Up

Follow-up appointments made to monitor healing are vital for this recovery procedure. While surgeons are responsible for the quality of the procedure, the patient is responsible for the quality of the recovery. Anything unusual that th patient experiences should be reported to the patient’s surgeon immediately. Patients are encouraged to consult with their surgeons frequently.

Board-certified professionals in Orange County can help your transition from an old nose to a new nose to be as successful as possible.