After surgery, there will be some swelling. The swelling can take many months to resolve, although most people stop noticing it after a couple of months. People are usually back to performing most activities after a week and resuming all activities after two to four weeks.
Typically, there will be a splint on the outside of your nose to protect it for 5 days or so and in 5 more days the nose has healed so well and you can return to all normal activities, including your exercise program.
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)
Nasal Skin Care After Rhinoplasty
It may take a few months for your nasal skin to completely return to normal after rhinoplasty.
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.
How long should I wait after nasal surgery to kiss my partner? – I tell patients to wait 6 weeks before returning to contact sports, so if you consider kissing a contact sport, then 6 weeks. If not, then you can kiss your partner as soon as you are able to do so painlessly.
Avoid any forms of physically strenuous activities after the Rhinoplasty. It includes going to the gym, performing rigorous workouts, aerobic exercises, high-intensity exercises, lifting heavy weights, intense physical movements, and just any form of physical activity that exerts pressure on your body.
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).
The answer largely depends on what your doctor recommends, but usually patients will be able to wash their face within a few days of the procedure. Unless you have splints that need to stay dry before its removal, you should be able to maintain personal hygiene soon after coming home from the procedure.
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.
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 may wash your face, shower and shampoo your hair the day following surgery. It won't cause damage if your nasal splint dressing gets a bit wet, but don't run water directly onto the splint.
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.
You may shower 2 days after surgery. If you shower, use a dry washcloth or plastic wrap over splint/tape. Please shower or bathe using only lukewarm water for first 2 weeks after surgery. No hot baths or showers!
What to Do if You Accidentally Bump Your Nose. 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.
There is no ban on brushing after rhinoplasty, but it should be done carefully so as not to shake the nose.. To brush, open your mouth as slightly as possible and gently move the toothbrush in your mouth..
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.
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.
Answer: Swelling After Rhinoplasty
You can relax and talk on the phone. There are no medical studies that show talking on the phone causes swelling after Rhinoplasty. Check in with your surgeon to confirm you are healing well.
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.
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.
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.
No nose picking and/or nose blowing for 14 days after surgery. Use nasal saline sprays (2-3 sprays in each nostril) at least three times daily to moisturize your nose for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
Although you will experience a loss of smell right after your rhinoplasty, it is important to remember that this loss is only temporary. Most patients notice improvement after 3-6 weeks. Permanent change in the sense of smell is very rare. Any smell loss is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks.
Three weeks post-rhinoplasty, about 70 percent of swelling is gone. This is the time when a patient starts to recognize the changes and begins to appreciate the new shape of his or her nose. It's ok, actually quite normal, to feel a little self conscious at this time.