Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes your nose’s shape for aesthetics, improved breathing, or both. This cosmetic procedure can alter the structure of the skin, cartilage, bone, or all three.
Depending on your needs and expectations, your plastic surgeon will advise you on the best option to help you meet your appearance goals.
Why Do You Need Rhinoplasty?
The upper portion of the nose is bone, while the lower portion is cartilage. While performing this cosmetic procedure, the surgeon alters the size, shape, or proportions of the skin, bone, or cartilage (or all).
This surgery is necessary to correct congenital disabilities, repair deformities from an injury, or improve some breathing difficulties.
But most patients focus more on aesthetic goals such as correcting asymmetry, enhancing facial balance, addressing the nostril width and shape, and malformed nasal tips.
After a rhinoplasty, the surgeon tapes external nose splints to stabilize the nasal tissue that has been operated on.
Why You Should Care for Rhinoplasty Splints
Rhinoplasty splints serve two purposes after surgery:
- They stabilize the nasal tissue
- They protect your nose while it heals.
Your surgeon will advise you on taking care of these splints until you heal and it’s time for their removal.
Recovery After Rhinoplasty
Depending on the extent of the surgery, you will experience some swelling after surgery, which may take a few months. Generally, nose surgery recovery times are usually between two to four weeks, after which you can resume most activities.
Managing Swelling After Surgery
The first few days after surgery are the peak swelling period, and sleeping flat in your back can cause more swelling. To minimize this swelling, elevate your head using extra pillows or sleep in a recliner for better blood flow and extra comfort.
Your surgeon will also prescribe medications to manage pain and swelling and prevent infection as you heal at home. Ensure you take these medicines as prescribed for normal healing.
Removal of Rhinoplasty Splints After Healing
Small devices called splints hold the nose in position, helping the nasal bones to stay in their desired position while the swelling reduces. And after one or two weeks following the surgery, your surgeon will remove them and inspect the new shape of your nose.
Embracing Your New Look
Minor changes after healing can make the biggest difference and be a huge confidence booster. Not only does rhinoplasty alter your appearance, but it also increases your overall happiness. Managing your expectations before the procedure can lead to more satisfying outcomes after recovery.
Tips for a Quick Rhinoplasty Recovery
The rate of success after surgery depends on your surgeon’s skills and your self-care routine during the recovery. While you can’t rush the healing process, you can take these steps to ensure you heal normally.
Follow the Medication Rules
While it might seem logical to take anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or ibuprofen, these are not the ideal treatments for the swelling that results from a rhinoplasty procedure. For fast healing, follow only your doctor’s prescription.
Ice the Wound
Icing your healing nose during the first few days helps to reduce swelling, making your nose heal much faster after the surgery.
Get Plenty of Rest
Plenty of rest improves circulation in your body, limiting inflammation. Stay off physical activities for the first week to allow your body to heal and reduce the chances of getting an injury.
Eat a Balanced Diet
The ideal nutrition should contain sufficient vitamins and essential minerals for fast recovery. Follow all the dietary recommendations by your surgeon.
Skip (or Limit) the Salt
Salt encourages fluid retention and makes the swelling worse. Instead, go for a low-sodium diet, focusing on lean nutrients, green leafy vegetables and fruits, and high-fiber foods naturally low in sodium.
Rhinoplasty Q&As
Q: How long does it take to heal after rhinoplasty?
A: Recovery takes 7 to 10 days, depending on the individual.
Q: Is rhinoplasty a painful procedure?
A: No. Most patients only experience minimal discomfort after surgery.
Q: What is the best age for a rhinoplasty procedure?
A: While there’s no definite age for the procedure, the ideal age is between 18 and 40 years, when the skin still has youthful elasticity.
Q: Is rhinoplasty an in-patient or outpatient procedure?
A: Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure.
Q: How long does a nose job procedure take?
A: Rhinoplasty takes about 1 ½ to 3 hours to complete.
Q: How expensive is a rhinoplasty procedure?
A: The average cost of a nose job is $5,483, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Q: Can I breathe through the nose after rhinoplasty?
A: You will feel comfortable breathing through the nose after one to two to three weeks.
Q: Is a nose job a major or minor surgical procedure?
A: Although the nose is a small body part, it’s a critical part of your respiratory system, making it a major surgical procedure.
Q: What activities should I avoid after rhinoplasty?
A: Avoid all strenuous activities like heavy lifting, jogging, running, aerobics, or high-impact walking.
Q: Why is it important to avoid allergens for two weeks after the procedure?
A: Allergens and viral infections can stimulate sneezing and coughing, causing a pressure build-up in your nose, which can cause bleeding.
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