At the very least, you should plan to take 10 days off from your job to recover from rhinoplasty. Trying to go back to work too soon may do more harm than good and cost you recovery time.
Most patients can return to work after 1-2 weeks, depending on the type of work. Resume normal activity slowly, being careful not to push too hard too soon. Strenuous or contact activities should be put off for at least 3-6 weeks.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
1 Week: The splint can be removed from your nose and you can go out in public without showing noticeable signs of surgery unless there is bruising around the eyes. This may take 2 weeks to resolve. It is safe to resume activities of daily living.
Week 1: During the first week after rhinoplasty surgery, be sure to give yourself ample time for rest and recovery. For the first few days, there is significant swelling, you'll feel tender, and you'll be unable to breathe through the nose. The nasal dressings, splint, and sutures are typically removed after 7 days.
1 Week After Cosmetic Nose Surgery
Rest is best during the first 7 days after your surgery. Do nothing more than light walks around your house, for a maximum 20 minutes at a time. These walks will help improve blood circulation, which decreases the risk of clotting and hastens healing.
Days 1 to 3
During the first 72 hours after your rhinoplasty, focus on taking it easy and letting your body rest. This is usually when the most tenderness, swelling and bruising will occur.
Patients can participate in the following activities two weeks after rhinoplasty surgery: Short walks. Light household chores. Driving (if you feel comfortable and are not taking pain medication)
Don't touch your nose: Patients should take great care to avoid putting any pressure on their nose, including even touching the nose, for at least 1 – 2 weeks after surgery, or until Dr. Khorsandi advises that it is okay to do so.
The nasal region and the cast installed inside the nose need to remain dry till removed by the doctor a week after a Rhinoplasty. Using a shower can hinder this. You can wash the rest of your body in a bath or shower.
Moreover, in most cases, it is safe to laugh and smile naturally after the 2 weeks of getting the procedure done but it is important to keep in mind that everyone's healing process is different and all patients should confirm it with the doctor before making the changes to their lifestyle.
Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided for at least 6 weeks following your rhinoplasty. It is also critical that you refrain from smoking following your operation.
While you may be anxious to return to your preferred sleeping position, it is critical that you continue sleeping on your back with your head elevated for about 7 – 10 days after rhinoplasty, or until cleared by Dr. Khorsandi.
Although facial plastic surgeons generally agree that sometimes laughing, yawning, or smiling is not harmful to your nose, there are ways to prevent the effects of these movements and damage to the nose.. It is recommended to try to limit excessive facial movement, especially in the first few weeks after surgery.
Following completion of the rhinoplasty, bed rest and elevation of the head are essential. There will be some variation in postoperative management depending on which surgical approach was used but a splint will be placed over the bridge of the nose for support and protection in most cases.
You will probably need to take about 1 week off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel. Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 2 to 3 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay. Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
After your rhinoplasty, you will need someone to drive you home and care for you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You may need someone to assist you with daily tasks for the first few days, as you will want to avoid bending over at the waist and lifting any heavy objects.
Preparing a snack and doing a small load laundry are OK; just be sure to avoid any task that could put your nose at risk (rough-housing with small children, stepping on a chair to get an item that's high out of reach, etc.) or that could elevate your blood pressure (bending down to lift a heavy bag of groceries).
Sleeping on your side or stomach is not recommended for several weeks after the procedure because it places unnecessary pressure on your nose. Resting on your back in an elevated position cuts down on congestion and minimizes swelling after rhinoplasty surgery.
After a rhinoplasty procedure, don't be surprised if your smile is temporarily affected by post-operative swelling. The effect is temporary and your smile will return to normal after the initial swelling has dissipated. This may take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
If your nose has been hit, place a cold compress on it immediately to reduce swelling. If there are signs that the nose has been broken, seek medical attention. A high impact blow to the nose can be a cause for concern, especially if there is extreme bruising, swelling, or a fracture.
Hard Foods
Hard to chew, sticky, and crunchy foods are on top of the list of foods to avoid after Rhinoplasty. It can contribute to your swelling, cause discomfort or even pain, and add to Rhinoplasty recovery time.
Physicians encourage mild walking daily after your surgical procedure because it does not interfere with your healing process. Intense Cardio or High Intensity Interval Training after rhinoplasty should be avoided since heightened blood pressure at this period can cause bleeding.
3 to 6 Months: Numbness and abnormal skin sensations around your nose should be completely gone by this point. One year: By this point, the healing process should be complete, give or take a few weeks or months. You shouldn't experience any swelling, bruising, discomfort, redness, or pain at this point.