Surgeons do more 200,000 nose jobs every year. It is probably the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures because of how much confidence one can place.
Your nose is also a big part of your respiratory system. Your doctor may suggest changing the shape of your nose if you have breathing problems.
No matter why you are doing the procedure, it will come with rhinoplasty recovery time. You need to take it easy and follow your surgeon’s instructions to the letter if you want to bounce back from surgery more quickly.
We can tell you how long the process will take. Check out this guide for a complete run-down.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Rhinoplasty?
The average nose job recovery time is one year. After the first week, your doctor will examine your nose and choose whether the splint should be removed.
You will have some bruising around your nose and eyes, but you’ll be fine to return to your usual activities. Because of this, you still should not go overboard and limit the amount of time you spend in the sun.
During the second week, most of your swelling should go away. When you reach your third and sixth week, you can begin going to the gym again.
Week six marks your ability to start doing strenuous activities again, but you will need to get permission from your doctor first.
After three to six months, you should no longer have any numbness or pain in your nose.
When you reach the one year mark, the healing process is complete. Any redness and swelling you are still experiencing should be gone by now. If you are still having problems, consult your surgeon.
Speed Up the Process
There are some things you should do to keep your nose job recovery timeline on course.
If you decide to toss your surgeon’s care instructions in the trash without following them, it will only do you harm.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Treatment Instructions
When you come out of surgery, your doctor will provide you with a list of care instructions before sending you on your way. Follow them to the letter.
You should also book an appointment with this service every once in a while. They will be capable to provide you with advice and prescribe medicine that will keep you on the right path of recovery.
Watching for Side Effects
For the first week of recovering your nose job, you’ll have some bruising under your eyes and around your nose area. Swelling is also quite normal. What’s not normal is if it does not go away.
If your face is still bruised and swollen after two weeks, it is time to see your doctor. You should also contact your surgeon if you experience extreme aches and pains.
Elevate Your Head
We know it is not very comfy, but for the first few weeks after a rhinoplasty procedure, you must keep your head up.
That means sleeping in an upright position. If you roll on your side, you can damage your nose.
Use a Cold Compress
For a day or two after your surgery, cold compresses will do wonders to keep swelling down and reduce redness.
If you decide to use one, ensure not to stick it directly up your nose. Doing so could damage your cartridge and slide the small bone in your nose out of place. Place the compress on your cheek instead.
Take it easy
We’re not going to lie; doing rhinoplasty will cause you to get stuck. Even so, you need to do your best to sleep.
Your body will need lots of energy to heal. It cannot repair itself if you do not rest.
Watch Your Diet
You should already be eating a balanced diet, but it becomes even more important when you’re recovering from surgery. Your body will need nutrients to bounce back.
Be sure to eat lots of protein. This will help the tissue around your nose rebuild itself.
Eating foods that are high in vitamins A, C, and D will make it easier for your body to fight infections that come from major and minor surgeries.
Keep Yourself Cool
Everyone loves a hot shower, but you should put it off while you are recovering from a rhinoplasty. The heat will cause the tissues in your nose to swell even more than before.
Don’t Blow Your Nose
The last recovery tip we have for you is self-explanatory. Try not to blow your nose.
We know temptation will be there. The swelling and congestion from a rhinoplasty is sufficient to make anyone want to grab a tissue.
Right now, your nasal passages are too sensitive for that. Give it six months before you start blowing your nose again. In the meantime, your doctor can provide you with a nasal spray that will help.
Follow These Nose Job Recovery Steps
Getting a nose job is an awesome way to boost your confidence and clear up breathing problems caused by a deformed nose. Even if it is just a minor operation, it will take some time for you to get back on your feet.
If you want everything to go as smoothly as possible, you should follow the rhinoplasty recovery instructions provided by your surgeon. Ignoring your doctor is the quickest way to get complications.
For more information on rhinoplasty, visit the Mind & Body section of our blog.
