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Rhinoplasty Aftercare: What to Do (And Not Do) After Surgery
rhinoplasty recovery
Oct 30, 2017

In this video, New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Breslow, MD, FACS discusses nose surgery aftercare with Certified Physician Assistant Madison Goldberg, and answers some frequently asked questions on the dos and don’ts of nose job recovery. Read the full transcription below.

How soon does the nose packing come out?

Packing – to the extent that it’s even put in – can come out at any time, from in the recovery room to usually a couple days after. Depending upon what’s been done, some surgeons may choose to not use any packing at all.

If something is done with the septum I generally use packing and leave it in for a day or two, depending on the specifics of the procedure.

Does a lot of bleeding occur? If so, when does it stop?

Some rhinoplasty patients will experience bleeding after rhinoplasty surgery. It can come out through the front or through the back, which can make the patient feel nauseous. In such cases taking an antiemetic is a good idea. The bleeding usually stops or significantly slows down after about 24 hours. We generally place something called a drip pad under the nose, which is changed every couple of hours until the bleeding stops.

How long does it take for swelling to go down?

Swelling after rhinoplasty is very common. The bulk of the swelling goes down within the first four to six weeks. Swelling of the tip of the nose can last several months, or as long as a year to a year and a half. It should be noted that there’s a difference between an open rhinoplasty, where an incision is made at the base of the nose, and a closed rhinoplasty, where everything is done inside.

There’s significantly less swelling with a closed rhinoplasty than with an open rhinoplasty. However, more and more surgeons are performing open rhinoplasty because the results are more predictable — we basically accept the fact that the swelling is going to last longer, in exchange for the more predictable results.

rhinoplasty

RELATED: Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

What can be done to reduce the swelling after rhinoplasty?

We give patients a steroid Medrol Dosepack right afterwards, in the operating room. We also give patients arnica and bromelain, which are two healing supplements. Ice is good for the first 48 hours. Try to limit your activities and sleep with your head elevated. These are all recommendations to follow that can help reduce the swelling within the first 48 hours, or first week. If excessive swelling occurs in the first week, it takes longer to go down.

Can I clean or blow my nose after rhinoplasty?

You should avoid blowing your nose in the first four weeks. Cleaning your nose, once the packing has come out (if there is packing) can be done gently if the surgeon is O.K. with it, depending on what was done, usually with a Q-tip and a small amount of peroxide.

How should I sleep after rhinoplasty?

For the first 48 hours we recommend that patients sleep with their head elevated, usually with some cold compresses or some frozen peas on their eyes. After that you can start sleeping more in a reclined position. For the first six weeks you cannot sleep on your stomach. For the first four weeks you have to sleep on your back — you can’t sleep on your side.

Is there anything on your nose to protect it?

Patients generally wear a splint for a week. Some surgeons take the splint off after a week and have patients wear it at night for the next five weeks, depending on what was done. It also depends on if the nose was broken or not, it terms of maintaining the structure of the bones.

Are there any foods or drinks that I should avoid after a nose job?

Yes — large foods that require you to open your mouth very wide, like big steaks or sandwiches. Spicy foods that can cause your nose to run are also to avoid.

Can I wear glasses after a rhinoplasty?

If the nose is broken during the procedure, glasses should not be worn for the first 3-4 weeks. If your nose was not broken during the procedure, you can start wearing glasses after a week.

Can I smile after surgery? If so, how will my smile be affected?

Smiling is fine in small doses. I would try to avoid excessive laughing for the same reasons why we tell patients not to eat foods that require the mouth to be open too large. Anything that can actually distort the shape of the nose is to be avoided. Oftentimes when we do rhinoplasty we have to put grafts in, which require sutures. Large movements of the face can cause the grafts to shift, so we tell patients to try to avoid doing anything that can cause that risk.

About the Author

Dr. Gary Breslow, MD, FACS

Dr. Gary Breslow, MD, FACS

Is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in Paramus New Jersey, known by both patients and peers as a problem-solver with a warm, engaging personality, and an instinctive ability to identify and truly understand the goals of his patients and the patients, themselves. Dr. Breslow has dedicated his efforts to providing results of only the most unsurpassed quality, continually staying abreast of the most advanced techniques in cosmetic surgery for the benefit of his patients. Dr. Breslow is Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is licensed to practice plastic & reconstructive surgery in both New Jersey and New York.

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