Rhinoplasty Recovery
Immediately following rhinoplasty surgery, patients are often advised to take about two weeks away from work, school, and other obligations to rest. By choosing an experienced surgeon who frequently performs rhinoplasty and can guide you through the proper aftercare, you can expect a successful rhinoplasty recovery yielding satisfying results. Dr. Oren Lerman can answer all of your questions about rhinoplasty recovery during a consultation at his Manhattan, New York, practice.
Before Surgery
A successful recovery partly depends upon proper preparation:
- Stop smoking about three months before surgery, and plan to break the habit permanently. Carbon monoxide compromises the body's ability to deliver oxygen to wounds through the bloodstream, which can slow the healing process and affect your results.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications: In the days after surgery, surgical sites are vulnerable and much more likely to bleed than usual. By avoiding blood-thinning medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin, patients reduce this risk.
- No drinking or eating after midnight the day before surgery. Because of the systemic effect of anesthesia on the body, food or drink that lingers in the digestive system during surgery can potentially cause complications during surgery.
- Wash your hair and face thoroughly before surgery. This is particularly important in preventing bacterial infection. Additionally, patients should not wear any makeup or cosmetic products on the day of surgery.
It will take some time for the skin and tissue surrounding the nose to adjust after surgery. In some cases, the final results can take as long as a year to become apparent.
Immediately after Surgery
Depending on the extent of surgery, patients are often advised to take at least two weeks off of work in order to rest. After your release from the hospital, you will still feel the effects of anesthesia, so it is important to have a friend or family member drive you home and help around the house with daily tasks.
Patients are advised to brush their teeth gently and eat soft foods. Regularly apply cold compresses to the nose and face, and avoid blowing your nose whenever possible. During the first few days, you will also need to sleep with your head elevated to prevent fluids from collecting at the surgical site.
About a week after surgery, your sutures will be removed. However, you will still need to avoid strenuous exercise until given approval by your surgeon. There may also be restrictions on when and how long you can wear glasses or sunglasses.
Long-term Recovery
You will still need to visit your surgeon for periodic checkups over the next few months. Patients should keep in mind that it will take some time for the skin and s tissue surrounding the nose to adjust after surgery. In some cases, the final results can take as long as a year to become apparent.
Contact Us Today
Becoming informed and prepared for every stage of your journey toward the refinements you desire is one of the surest ways to achieve a successful outcome. If you are interested in rhinoplasty, and wish to learn more about the procedure, its cost, and how it can help you achieve your goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lerman today.
