Recovery Process After Rhinoplasty
If we look at the recovery process after rhinoplasty, we can say that it consists of 6 stages. In this context, the recovery process is 1st week, 2nd week, 3-4th week, 6th week, 3-6 months and 1 year. If we examine these stages;Week 1: Initial Recovery Period- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising in the nose and around the eyes are quite common in the first 48 hours after rhinoplasty. Swelling may become more pronounced, especially under the eyes.
- Tape and Cast: Your surgeon may apply a cast or bandage to the nose. This helps stabilize the nose and supports the healing process.
- Pain and Discomfort: There may be mild pain, a feeling of pressure or discomfort around the nose. It can usually be controlled with prescription painkillers.
- Breathing:Your nose may become blocked, which can make breathing difficult. However, this is generally temporary.
- Bed Rest:Sleeping with your head elevated for the first 1-2 days will help reduce swelling. Rest is very important.
- Intranasal Bleeding and Crusting: You may experience some minor nosebleeds for a few days, and this is completely normal.
- Tape and Cast Change: Your surgeon may remove the nasal cast usually by the end of the 7th day. However, swelling inside the nose will continue.
- Swelling Begins to Decrease:2. Towards the end of the week, the swelling and bruising in the nose will significantly decrease, and the bruising on the face will mostly disappear.
- Cleaning the Inside of the Nose: Your doctor may give you instructions for cleaning the inside of the nose and the crusts. Keeping the nostrils clean in this way will reduce the risk of infection.
- Less Pain: Pain usually decreases. However, tenderness and tightness may persist. In this context, sensitivity on the nose may still persist and the pain will be much milder.
- Improvement in Appearance: The external shape of the nose may still be swollen, but some patients may achieve a better appearance during this period.
- Reduction of Swelling:Swelling in the nose will greatly decrease over the course of 3-4 weeks. However, there may still be slight swelling at the tip of the nose and the root of the nose.
- Clearer Appearance:During this period, the nose begins to take its final shape and your doctor can show you the new shape of your nose more clearly.
- Social Interaction:If you have returned to work, you can walk outside comfortably. The bruising is mostly gone, but tenderness around the nose may still persist.
- Physical Activity:Light exercises can be started, but activities that will put pressure on the nose (such as lying on the nose or taking blows) should be avoided.
- Complete Nose Shape is Visible:By the end of the 6th week, the nose begins to take shape to a large extent and the swelling around the nose has largely disappeared. However, it may still take some time for it to take its final shape.
- Physical Activity:Light sports and exercises can be done. However, direct pressure on the nose area should be avoided. In addition, high-paced activities and impacts should definitely be avoided.
- Skin Sensitivity Decreases:The skin on the nose becomes less sensitive. However, some areas may still feel numb.
- Tip of the Nose: Swelling at the tip of the nose may also occur at this stage. However, this will decrease over time.
- Final Shape:3. After 1 month, the nose becomes very close to its operational shape. However, the final aesthetic results of the nose are usually not fully apparent until 6 months.
- Complete Reduction of Swelling:Most of the swelling disappears during this period. However, there may still be a small amount of swelling at the tip of the nose.
- Cartilage and Tissue Healing: Cartilages and tissues are morebegins to heal. This helps the nose gain a more natural and smooth appearance.
- Nose Tip Parts: The tip of the nose becomes more prominent and takes on a natural shape, while healing under the skin continues.
- Full Results:Full results after rhinoplasty are usually clear at the end of one year. The nose continues to take shape throughout the year after surgery. The final shape emerges during this period.
- Cartilage and Skin Adaptation: The cartilage and skin inside the nose completely heal and adapt to the new shape of the nose.
- Swelling and Numbness Pass: Swelling and numbness throughout the nose completely pass. If there is still swelling, bruising or numbness, you may need to see your doctor.
- Aesthetic Results:The results are now clear and the aesthetic appearance of your nose is permanent. However, minor swelling or tenderness may still occur from time to time.
What Should Be Done to Speed Up Recovery After Rhinoplasty?
There are certain points to consider during the recovery process after rhinoplasty. These points will speed up the person’s recovery process and also help the person have a comfortable and relaxed recovery process. In this context, here are the things to do to speed up the recovery phase of rhinoplasty;- Avoid Blowing Your Nose
- Stay Away from Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Unless Prescribed
- Do not take painkillers or other medications without your surgeon’s approval
- Take Time to Rest and Recover
- Go Outside and Take a Walk
- Take a Shower Instead of a Bath
- Eat Healthy and Drink Plenty of Water
- Stay Away from Black Pepper and Spicy Foods
- Reduce Salt Intake and Limit Salt Consumption
- Pay Attention to Your Post-Operative Appointments
- Keep Your Head as Elevated as Possible While Resting
- Be Patient During the Healing Process
- Listen to Your Doctor’s Recommendations
The most important step for a healthy and smooth recovery after aesthetic operations such as combined profiloplasty is to strictly follow the advice given by your doctor. Regular use of prescribed medications, not missing scheduled check-ups, and paying attention to personal care recommendations both speed up the healing process and help prevent possible complications. Since each patient’s condition is different, it is very important to adhere to the treatment plan specifically prepared for you instead of relying on general information read online.
- Do Not Neglect Cold Compress Application
To minimize swelling and bruising that may occur after surgery, cold compresses should be applied regularly during the first few days. Especially in aesthetic procedures performed on the face, reducing the subcutaneous edema directly affects recovery. However, this application should not be made directly to the skin, but over a thin cloth and for the durations recommended by the doctor. Otherwise, it may cause a freezing effect or skin sensitivity.
- Avoid Intense Exercise Routines
In the first weeks after surgery, it is necessary to avoid heavy physical activities and intense exercises. This is because such movements, which increase blood pressure, can lead to risks such as bleeding in the surgical area, increased swelling, or opening of stitches. Therefore, returning to sports should always be done gradually and under the supervision of a doctor.
- Do Not Wear Glasses
If a rhinoplasty procedure was also performed, glasses that put pressure on the nose should not be used. The main reason for this is that it can negatively affect the new shape of the nasal bones. At this point, it is generally recommended to use contact lenses instead of glasses for the first 4–6 weeks after surgery or to opt for specially supported eyeglass frames.
- Stay Away from the Sun
After aesthetic surgeries, the skin becomes more sensitive than normal. Exposure to sunlight can cause permanent spots, discoloration, or make surgical scars more noticeable. For this reason, direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided during the recovery process; if it is necessary to go outside, a wide-brimmed hat should be worn and high SPF sunscreens should be used. Especially in the first few months, sun protection directly affects the aesthetic outcome of recovery.
FAQ
After rhinoplasty operation, you can consume foods such as Pineapple, Blueberry, Kiwi, Ginger, Walnut and Almond. This will speed up your healing process.
It usually takes a long time for the swelling to subside after rhinoplasty. The main reason for this is that the nose is located in the centre of the face and has many vessels and connective tissues. Therefore, inflammation and bleeding in the tissues after rhinoplasty may cause swelling to persist for a long time.
