Nose Job recovery. Everything you need to know for a good and quick recovery

One of the main parts to consider about a rhinoplasty or nose job is the recovery period. As with any medical intervention, to fully recover from this procedure you should follow all your doctor’s recommendations and precautions. 

Although the medical process is relatively fast and easy, you can expect to have some effects for the next days, weeks or even months. 

What is it and how is it performed?

A rhinoplasty is a procedure done on the nose to improve its shape or its function. It can change the nose shape, change the angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip, adjust the type of the nose or correct unwanted defects. 

The first step in this process is to consult with your doctor if you are a right candidate for it and, if so, plan it thoroughly. Your doctor will consider your facial structure and your expectations about the process. Once the planning is done, your procedure will be scheduled. 

The process can change the bone and cartilage of your nose, or even the two of them, so you can have an improved nose in shape and function. During the intervention your nose will be numbed, so you can be relaxed and unable to feel the pain.

After the intervention comes the recovery period. Therefore, next we will focus on the special care and precautions you have to take to make sure the nose job is successful.

Specific care for every stage of recovery

Since every person is different and every nose job process is also different, the duration of the nose job recovery period can vary from case to case. However, there is a general timeline that can give you a better feel about how this process advances after the rhinoplasty. 

Right after the intervention: A nose job is an outpatient procedure. This means that there is no overnight stay, so you can go and rest comfortably right after it. However, you should arrange for someone to drive you where you’re going to stay.

First week: During the first week of nose job recovery you may internal and external splints on your nose. Swelling and bruising should also be present in the area around your nose and eyes. After this period, the splint should be removed and you should be able to resume daily activities.

Second week: By the end of this period, the swelling and bruising should be almost disappearing. 

Third to fourth week: In this period, it should be safe to do light exercises, like walking.

Sixth week: By this week, activities that are more strenuous can be taken, like weight lifting. Moreover, you can resume wearing glasses and blowing your nose. 

Three to six months: Any abnormal sensation that you have felt on your nose, such as numbness, should have disappeared. 

First year: The healing process is complete. The shape of your new nose should have set entirely.

Although this is a general timeline of the nose job recovery process, there are recommended actions you can take to speed it up. Here below we will expand on them.

Recommendations on nose job recovery

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Your doctor has studied your facial structure, your motivations for the nose job and your expectations. Additionally, he should have plenty of experience on performing this process. 
2. Pay attention to what you feel. Your doctor will be able to help you depending on what he sees and what you tell him. You are the expert on your body, so if you feel weird about something, immediately share it with your doctor.
   
3. Get enough rest. Plenty of hours of sleep and rest will give your body the necessary energy to heal faster and restore that energy.
   
4. Enjoy a balanced diet. This will give your body the necessary nutrients to perform the healing process. Protein-rich foods give your body the building blocks to restore the damaged tissue in and on your nose.
   
5. Stay out of the heat. Getting too hot will cause the tissues on your nose to swell. It is recommended to keep a cool room temperature, eat unheated food, take cool or room temperature showers and avoid the heat on the weeks following the intervention.
   
6. Resist the urge to blow your nose. Because of the swollen nasal tissues and the congestion on your nose, you should avoid this action. In addition, you should try sneezing through your mouth instead of through your nose to avoid slowing your nose job recovery process.
7. Protect your skin from the sun. As your nose is prone to get sunburned after the rhinoplasty, it is always recommended to use sunblock on it.
8. Be patient. Be aware that to obtain the best results you have to take the necessary precautions during this period and not try to rush things.
9. Follow up. Be sure to keep your appointments with your doctor as he will evaluate your recovery and give you concrete recommendations based on your evolution. 

By following these recommendations, you can expect to have better results on your nose job. However, always listen and consult with your doctor about all the questions you may have so you can optimize the results of your nose improvement procedure.