You'll need to sleep in an elevated position for at least one week, however, it's generally recommended that you wait around 10-14 days before returning to your regular sleeping positions.
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.
It's best to sleep on your back in an elevated position. Doing so will reduce post-operative swelling and congestion (which can be hard to clear after rhinoplasty, as you can't blow your nose).
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.
At three months, almost all swelling has gone down permanently, and the nose looks basically like the final result. It will take a year or two for the nose to totally settle into its new structure, but at three months, the vast majority of rhinoplasty recovery is complete.
If you've accidentally bumped your nose after recently undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure, you should immediately apply a cold compress to help to reduce any swelling.
Recovery typically progresses quickly. You'll feel the worst in the days right after surgery, but should improve every day. If you stay on top of your pain medication and get plenty of rest, rhinoplasty recovery doesn't have to be, and shouldn't be, a painful experience.
Luckily, one week post-operatively, it is safe to resume sleeping on your back or side, provided that you are careful to avoid putting pressure on your nose. While it is safe to lie flat on your back or carefully on your side, it is important to understand that doing so may prolong swelling and bruising.
Sleep alone.
If you normally sleep with your spouse, partner, or pet, it may be a good idea to go solo for a while. An accidental fist or paw to the face could be detrimental to your recovery. It is better not to risk these potential injuries.
Prop up your head
You will have to sleep with your head elevated for 24-48 hours after surgery to help the bleeding slow down and help the swelling resolve.
Your tip should drop between five and ten degrees after rhinoplasty. This drop is due to gravitational pull and your incisions tightening. Any drop that is greater than that means there may have been a surgical complication.
Bending over is not recommended for at least three weeks, as this can increase swelling and aching. Avoid exercise for the allotted timeline of four to six weeks, and avoid activities that will be likely to injure or damage your nose.
Do not brush your teeth for two weeks following rhinoplasty. If your nose is running, gently dab it with a tissue. Brush your teeth carefully. Because your upper lip is connected to your nose, you'll move your nose if you brush too aggressively.
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.
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.
Swelling and Bruising.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
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.
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.
As your nose heals from rhinoplasty surgery, it will likely be even more fragile and delicate. The nasal structure will return to its maximal strength (85% of the strength it had prior to surgery) in approximately eight weeks, but while it grows stronger, protecting it can save you a trip for a revision rhinoplasty.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Alcohol thins the blood and increases the risk of bleeding after surgery. It also raises your chances of developing a hematoma, or a collection of blood beneath the skin, and can exacerbate swelling. Caffeine can raise blood pressure, which can be dangerous for certain people.
You may gently clean dried blood from the inside of the nose with a Q-tip and dilute hydrogen peroxide. Refrain from blowing your nose or sneezing if possible for 2 weeks. Use saline spray or a bulb syringe for comfort and to help clear drainage. Keep head elevated when resting, and sleep with at least 2 pillows.
It is also vital to stay hydrated during the first-week post Rhinoplasty. Increase your water consumption, and you may want to add freshly squeezed fruit juices to the mix. You may also want to add fruits to your Rhinoplasty recovery diet having high water and nutritional content, such as strawberries and watermelon.
No matter what you do to the cartilage, the tip will be bigger after surgery, not smaller!
Your surgeon may have removed an excessive amount of tissue from your nose tip in an attempt to raise your entire nose. The resulting image is a “pig snout.” You may experience this temporarily as a result of post-surgery swelling. It usually disappears after a few weeks.