Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips

Planning to have rhinoplasty and wondering about the recovery process? Recovery from rhinoplasty is a key part of the process. As swelling settles and your nose settles into its new contours and shape, it’s important to know what to expect and how to best help yourself heal to ensure your outcome is as ideal as possible.

What will the recovery be like?

Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty comes with some required downtime for healing. There will be some pain and swelling for the first few days following surgery. We will provide medication to help with this. Bruising is also common and usually lasts for around two weeks.

When can I get back to my usual life and activities?

Most patients can return to work or their usual routine after a week, although more strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks. Most patients will look “normal,” meaning the swelling and bruising are no longer noticeable after about three to four weeks. By this time, a small amount of residual swelling and tenderness will remain, but it will likely be unnoticeable to anyone but you.

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Use a cool pack

For the first 8-12 hours after your surgery, a cool pack or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth can be placed over your eyes. This helps reduce bruising and swelling. Apply it over your eyes for 15 minutes, then off for 15 minutes. Continue in this way as consistently as possible.

Sleep with your head elevated

For the first three days, sleep with your head elevated using pillows, or sleep in a comfortable recliner.

Don’t wear heavy glasses

Glasses, especially those with heavy frames, are detrimental to healing. Do not wear them for at least two weeks.

Do not exercise

Exercise is off the agenda for at least a week. You can take gentle walks, but do not exert yourself in any way while you are in the initial healing process.

Rest

Give yourself the time you need to recuperate. Sleep is a hugely important part of this. Take care of yourself and don’t do anything that might wear you out.

Minimize swelling

Apply an ice pack to keep the swelling to a minimum. Most of your swelling will be gone within a week. However, for some, a little swelling can last months.

Take time off work

We advise our patients to take 1-2 weeks off of work if possible so they can rest and relax to speed up recovery time.

Protect yourself from injury

Avoid any activities where a nose injury is possible is critical. In some cases, an injury can set your healing back for weeks. Keep your nose protected while it heals by staying away from any possible event or activity that could possibly expose it to harm.

Keep yourself hydrated

A good intake of water helps the healing process.

Eat healthy foods

The right foods help your body heal and can keep swelling at a minimum. Eat lean proteins, leafy greens, colorful veggies, and certain vitamins (avoid any supplements that could thin the blood, such as vitamin E).

Keep your appointments

Attending all appointments with your doctor is an important way to ensure your healing is going well.

Why choose Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center?

Dr. Michael Eisemann is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon in Houston who has performed over 6,000 rhinoplasties without complications or adverse cosmetic results to total patient satisfaction. He is a triple board-certified surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. As a result, patients can be confident that they will receive the highest quality of care and achieve their desired results when they choose Dr. Eisemann for their rhinoplasty procedure.