Rhinoplasty can provide remarkable results for most people, but the recovery process is extensive and requires patience.
The initial recovery time for rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery is usually around one to two weeks. A nose job involves substantial changes to the nasal structure. Therefore, the body will require some time to recover and adapt to these changes.
The healing time after rhinoplasty surgery varies between patients based on various factors such as:
- How extensive the surgical changes are
- The kind of post-op care the patient receives
- The general health of the patient before the nose reshaping procedure
Board certified plastic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD provides rhinoplasty to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA , and surrounding communities and towns in this region of the state.
Post-Operative Care
Following rhinoplasty, the surgeon will provide the patient with detailed post-op guidelines. Rhinoplasty is a delicate facial plastic surgery procedure. Therefore, ideal outcomes depend on the patient’s ability to follow the post-op instructions dedicatedly.
It is wise for patients to enlist a family member or friend to assist them with certain chores immediately after the nose reshaping procedure. By following these guidelines, the patient can have a more comfortable recovery phase:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated
- Use cold compresses to decrease inflammation
- Get sufficient rest
- Avoid vigorous exercises and strenuous activities
The Initial 48 Hours of Recovery
The patient is still under the effect of anesthesia during this time and may feel mild discomfort.
The surgeon may prescribe pain medications to the patient although some patients only require mild over the counter pain meds to manage the discomfort. Some issues that patients face after a nose reshaping surgery are as follows:
- Headaches
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Nosebleeds
It is appropriate for patients to get plenty of rest and keep their head in an upright position during the initial 24 hours after the rhinoplasty. The patient may experience a puffy face, pain in the nose, and a dull headache.
Nosebleeds are also common in the initial 48 hours of the recovery period. Patients should avoid blowing their nose during this time as it can affect the outcomes of the nose reshaping procedure.
Increased Comfort after One Week
During the follow-up consultation at around one week after the procedure, the surgeon will assess the patient’s progress. The surgeon will remove nasal packing (if any) and a splint and/or stitches. The bruising and inflammation would have subsided significantly by this time.
Most patients resume work and routine activities one week after the rhinoplasty procedure. However, patients must avoid any vigorous activities such as sports or weight lifting for two weeks after the nose job. Furthermore, they should not undertake any actions that could cause them to blow their nose for nearly eight weeks. It is not recommended to travel by air in the first week after the procedure.
Caring cosmetic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other suburbs and towns in this part of The Golden State for rhinoplasty.
For more information on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and treatments by Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon, Roger Tsai, MD please click here or call us at 310.276.1190. Taking patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and other surrounding cities.