Rhinoplasty is a surgery to improve the functions or appearance of your nose. It is also known as nose job surgery. After undergoing a nose job, you may take up to a year to heal completely. Your nose structure may change during the healing process.
What is the recovery time for rhinoplasty?
The average open rhinoplasty scar healing time is approximately one year. The rhinoplasty healing time may appear long but is manageable when segmented into different phases. The recovery phases differ for different individuals, but the general timeline is:
- Week 1
During the first week after surgery, your doctor removes the splint from your nose. During this time, you can go out in public without showing the signs of surgery. However, if you have developed bruising around your eyes, you may take up to 2 weeks to recover. After the end of the first week, you can resume your routine life. - Week 2
In week two of rhinoplasty recovery time, you may experience a reduction in swelling and bruising on your face and eyes. - Week 3-4
In this week, you can resume your cardiovascular activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, and aerobics exercises. - Week 6
During week six, your nose bone becomes stable. In addition, you can start wearing spectacles, blowing your nose, and weight training. - 3-6 months
The numbness and sensation in the nasal area take the edge off. - One year
At the end of the first year post-surgery, the rhinoplasty healing timeline gets complete, and you can see your refined nose structure.
If you need ways to speed up the recovery time for rhinoplasty surgery, you can do it by following a few tips. The recommended tips are:
- Take your doctor’s advice
Listen to your doctor and obey their instructions for your recovery. They will suggest different ways to prevent infection and take care of the surgery’s site. Moreover, you can consult them for the medication and follow-up exam. Your doctor’s advice is crucial to get a quick recovery. - Listen to your body.
Rhinoplasty recovery takes time. Although your doctor will examine the changes in your nose structure from the outside, you will have to communicate the discomfort to them. If you feel any pain during the recovery period, you can convey it to your doctor. They will suggest ways for a faster recovery. - Keep your head uptight and elevated.
When you sleep on your sides, you can increase the chances of swelling and bruise on your face. Moreover, it delays the recovery time. In addition, sleeping on your sides may disfigure your nose and waste surgery’s efforts. It is recommended to keep your head elevated while sleeping to prevent such conditions. You can use additional pillows to keep your head uptight and elevated. For better results, keep your head at a high position for at least six weeks post-surgery. You may sleep on a recliner to keep your head elevated. - Use ice technique
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling on your face and eyes. You can use it in the first 72 hours after surgery. Applying ice on the surgery site can provide relief. However, you need to remember not to rub the ice directly to your nose as it can shift the bones or cartilages. Instead, try to apply a cold compress to your cheeks. - Take proper rest
Your body heals itself when you take proper rest. Rest is vital for your recovery, and hence, you must rest for six to eight hours every night. Give time to your body to restore the lost energy and heal properly. - Keep a watch on your diet.
You may wonder if there is a link between your diet and rhinoplasty recovery time. Your diet has a lot to do with your recovery. When you take a balanced diet post-surgery, you provide essential nutrients to your body. These nutrients can help your body to recover itself. You must take a diet enriched with protein to rebuild the damaged tissues in your nose region. Moreover, you must include vitamins in your diet to fight the risks of infection. - Stay cool
Stay away from heat as it can cause swelling to your nose tissues. Try to avoid hot showers and hot foods to reduce swelling. - Avoid blowing your nose.
You may experience nasal congestion after surgery due to swollen nasal tissues. To reduce congestion, you can use a nasal spray. These sprays moisturise your nasal cavity and control the urge to blow your nose. - Avoid vigorous exercises
It may take up to six weeks for the swelling to reduce. Hence, you must avoid physical activities during the rhinoplasty recovery time. In addition, light exercises like stretching and bending can increase the swelling in your nasal passage. Before resuming physical activities, ask your doctor and take their advice. - Don’t wear glasses
Putting glasses on your nose can increase swelling, bruising, and indentations. It is because glasses put additional pressure on your nose bridge. As a result, the surgery’s outcome gets affected, and you may need revision rhinoplasty surgery to overcome the damages. - Keep distance from the sun.
Preventing your skin from harmful sun rays is crucial during rhinoplasty recovery stages. Excess sun exposure makes your nose susceptible to sunburn, and it may lead to nose scarring. Therefore, try to keep yourself away from sun exposure to get better results from rhinoplasty surgery. - Don’t smoke
It is essential to avoid active and passive smoking before and after rhinoplasty surgery. It is because tobacco limits the blood flow to your body and delays the recovery period. Moreover, tobacco hampers the self-healing ability of the body. When you maintain distance from smoking, your body can experience a speedy recovery.
Following these preventive measures can provide you with a faster recovery period. Moreover, these tips may enhance the natural healing mechanism of your body. However, it is essential to go under the knife of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon to get the desired results.
Still, wondering about rhinoplasty procedure and rhinoplasty time to heal? Then, you can contact the ALCS Clinic and ask for a consultation with Dr. Sunil Arora.
