Postoperative Care for Your Rhinoplasty Procedure

Many people are surprised to discover that rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure. Generally, it is completed within 1 to 3 hours, after which you will begin the postoperative care phase. Everyone heals differently so it is important to be prepared for your recovery prior to surgery. Learn what to expect after your rhinoplasty procedure as well as some of the key postoperative care methods you should implement post-surgery below.

What to Expect After Rhinoplasty

During your pre-operative appointment with your rhinoplasty surgeon, he or she will go over what to expect from your rhinoplasty recovery in great detail. Below are some of the most common things to expect while you recover.

First, there will be mild to moderate amount of pain or discomfort after your procedure. This is completely normal and can be controlled using oral painkillers. Generally, the pain and discomfort should begin to decrease around 72 hours after the procedure. Bruising and swelling around the eyes or cheeks are common symptoms, often peaking on the second day following the surgery.

Most people can expect some nasal discharge after the procedure. Applying a small gauze dressing below the nose after your surgery will help to absorb the discharge. This dressing should be changed as often as needed for the first 48 hours.

Nasal stuffiness is likely the most commonly aggravating issue post-procedure. For the first week of surgery, when the cast is still present, you will experience difficulty breathing through your nose. This can make sleep difficult while you adjust to the discomfort. However, proper postoperative care can help to remedy these issues.

You will need to take approximately 7 to 10 days off of work or school so you can heal. After that, you can return to work and most of your daily activities. Most surgeons recommend you wait at least 3 weeks to resume any exercise programs. Full recovery from your rhinoplasty can take up to a year as swelling continues to reduce.

Postoperative Care for Rhinoplasty at Pearl Recovery Retreat

At Pearl Recovery Retreat, we take care of several rhinoplasty patients each week and know exactly how each rhinoplasty surgeon in Beverly Hills likes their patients cared for during recovery. There are a few methods that Pearl uses to help reduce your discomfort and lead to a more relaxed, peaceful recovery:

• Keep your head elevated for the first two weeks after your procedure. This includes when you are sleeping. You can sleep on a recliner or inclined bed tilted at 45 degrees.
• Apply cold compresses across the eyes for the first 48 hours after surgery. Applying washcloths diagonally over each eye helps to decrease swelling and promote a quicker recovery. Use a basin of ice water to keep the washcloths cold and clean.
• Try to keep the tape and splints on your nose dry at all times. Most people prefer to take baths instead of showers in the weeks after the procedure to avoid damaging the dressing on their nose.
• Applying hydrogen peroxide to your suture lines inside your nose three times a day before applying Vaseline to the stitches. This helps to clean and lubricate the wound, also quickening the dissolving of the stitches.

Recover at Pearl Recovery Retreat and Wellness

As you can see, the recovery process for rhinoplasty procedure requires a significant amount of postoperative care. If you have an upcoming rhinoplasty procedure, contact Pearl Recovery Retreat and Wellness to book a stay at one of our luxury recovery rooms. Our nurses will ensure you get the postoperative care you need to comfortably and safely recover from your procedure.