Avoid constant “sniffing”, that is, constantly forcibly attempting to pull air through the nose as some people do when their nose feels blocked. This will not relieve the sensation of blockage; it will only aggravate it because the suction created on the inside will cause more swelling.
Is it OK to sniff after nose surgery? Sniffing a few times after rhinoplasty is generally safe as long as you do it gently and with minimal force. Constant sniffing is not encouraged as this can aggravate the nose, cause further damage to the sutures, and delay healing.
On average, patients can expect breathing through the nose after rhinoplasty to feel more comfortable after 1 – 3 weeks, though some patients may have a feeling of nasal congestion for several months.
Don't sneeze or cough forcefully
Sneezing and coughing forcefully after rhinoplasty can cause a buildup of pressure in the nose, which could lead to bleeding. It's best not to sneeze or cough for 14 days following surgery.
Rinse With Saline Solution
After 24 hours, your surgeon will recommend that you begin using a saline solution of water and salt to irrigate your nasal passages, which will remove any obstructions while helping to reduce the risk of infection.
After rhinoplasty surgery, your nose will be extra vulnerable as a result of the changes made to this structure. Your bones, cartilage, and surrounding tissues will be more fragile as they heal, sometimes for up to a year after surgery.
For the nose to be rock-hard, solid, and all the tissue welded together takes 6 weeks. So, how long does it take to recover from rhinoplasty surgery? The average recovery period is typically 7 to 10 days, but it always depends on the individual.
Limit facial muscle movements — This sounds obvious, but during your recovery you need to limit things such as laughing and smiling (only ask boring friends to stop by! No comedians on Netflix.). Be careful not to open your mouth too wide (yawning is a no-no). Keep your nose from stretching too much or from being hit.
In summary, crying, laughing, and yawning are all activities that you should avoid or take caution with for the first few weeks after rhinoplasty surgery. While they will not physically ruin your results, they can cause temporary swelling and bruising.
In general, I encourage people to sleep with their head elevated for the first 7-10 days after having a rhinoplasty. If you accidentally sleep on your side then it really does not matter.
The first week is the most critical period for rhinoplasty healing. After 7-10 days, patients can begin to use other sleeping positions. Be careful to avoid putting pressure on the nose, and if you can sleep comfortably on your back while elevated, continue to do so.
Lip Balm. One thing that surprises many rhinoplasty patients is how dry their mouth gets. After surgery, you'll have to breathe exclusively out of your mouth for several days.
Postoperative care:
Do not blow your nose or attempt to clean it for the first week. After five days you may blow your nose and sniff in very gently. If you have to sneeze, do so with your mouth open.
Occasional laughing or yawning will likely not damage your nose as it heals, but the less you do it, the better–and try not to laugh too hard! Every time you smile or laugh, the tiny muscles which connect the tip of your nose to your upper lip descend a little.
For the first two weeks following surgery, avoid pursing the lips as in whistling, applying lipstick, kissing, or sucking on a straw. Allowing the nose to heal with as little movement as possible will improve both your cosmetic and functional results.
Take part in any strenuous activity for at least two weeks after surgery. Any activity such as sport that could cause an injury put your nose at risk of injury must be avoided at all costs for a minimum of a few months. Ignore any signs of post-operative complications or infection.
The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it's the thickest skin of the nose. If the tip of your nose is still very firm, it may mean that there is still some swelling.
Taping can be effective to subside the swelling and shrink the skin down. It doesn't, however, affect the shape and form of the nose.
Swelling after rhinoplasty is the norm and your photos show what appears to be quite a bit of swelling. This will gradually dissipate over several months. You can expect the majority of the swelling to go down during the first 12 weeks and then gradual change over the first year to your final result.
You may have packing material inside your nose to reduce bleeding and swelling. Packing and the nasal drip pad will be removed within 2 days after surgery. The splint will be removed in about a week. Your nose will be bruised and swollen, and you may get dark bruises around your eyes.
Months 6-12: Within a year, most people can see the final results of their rhinoplasty procedure. Any changes that take place during this time are usually quite subtle. Typically, the swelling has gone down, any repositioned cartilage has settled, and the reshaped skin has conformed to the new structure.
In most patients, it takes roughly 6 weeks for the bones in your nose to heal following surgery. During this time, you should avoid strenuous exercise. Even movements that seem harmless like stretching, lifting, or bending over can increase nasal swelling.
A rhinoplasty fail can be happen because of an inexperienced surgeon performing surgery, but it can also result from overly aggressive surgery or a surgery that was not aggressive enough.