AFTER RHINOPLASTY SURGERYPURE Cosmetic Center

Your mind and your body need plenty of rest to recover after surgery. You will feel tired more easily, and you will not have your full level of energy for the first 6 weeks after surgery. This is normal. You will be bruised and swollen. Bruising gets better in about 1-2 weeks. Much of the swelling improves in 6 weeks, but the nose remains swollen for 12-18 months. This is normal and will require patience. You will notice fluctuations in swelling: it will be worse in the evenings and better in the mornings, it will be worse after strenuous activities, and worse after certain foods. These small fluctuations in swelling are normal and do not affect the final result. The nasal bones take 6 weeks to become solid, so avoid any pressure on the nose during this early healing period.

• You may start showering 48 hours after surgery. Avoid long steamy hot showers. Do NOT get the splint wet.
• Leave all tapes and splints on. Keep them all clean and dry. They will be removed one week after surgery.
• You may use frozen peas to apply ice to the eyes. This will help with bruising.
• You will have some bloody drainage from your nose for the first 3-4 days after surgery. This is normal. The amount of drainage should decrease with each passing day. You may change the dressing under your nose as needed to catch any drainage.
• Use a Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide and gently clean the opening of each nostril three times a day. Do not go deeper than the Q-tip head itself.
• Do NOT blow your nose for at least 6 weeks.
• You may start using saline nasal sprays or Flonase spray one week after surgery. Make sure you point the tip of the spray outwards so you avoid spraying the septum.
• Avoid salty foods and spicy foods for 4-6 weeks, as this increases swelling in the nose.
• Sleep on your back slightly inclined for the first week by keeping your head elevated on pillows. This will help with swelling and will help prevent you from rolling over and sleeping on your face.
• You may start driving after the swelling around your eyes improves and after you have stopped taking all medications that cause drowsiness (gabapentin, oxycodone, tramadol, etc).
• Do not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first week after surgery.
• Short walks are encouraged in the first two weeks after surgery. Try to get up and walk for 10-15 minutes at a time, 3-4 times per day, even the very first day after surgery.
• Activity Timeline:
  • Week 1: Light walks
  • Week 2: May begin cardio-based exercise (treadmill, bike, elliptical). May start lifting 5-10 pound weights.
  • Week 3-6: Increase weights by 5 pounds per week. Increase cardio-based exercise as tolerated.
  • Week 6: No restrictions. May resume all activities and exercise.