THE RECOVERY FOLLOWING RHINOPLASTY SURGERY
In most cases, Rhinoplasty surgery involves an overnight stay in hospital. The following morning you will be assessed and the nasal packs (if used) will be removed. All being well, you should be able to go home. Most patients will take two weeks off work for recovery.
Your nose will feel tight and sore after surgery, but surprisingly pain is uncommon. If you require painkillers, they can be prescribed by Mr Chana. Aspirin or aspirin-like medication (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory tablets) must not be taken.
It is important, not to blow your nose or to sneeze through your nose. You should avoid bending over or doing any activity for at least a week or so to reduce the swelling and avoid any possibility of a nosebleed. Sports or vigorous activity should not be returned to for 6 weeks.
Sleeping elevated using extra pillows will also help reduce the swelling. You will also have bruised eyelids after surgery and your eyes and face may be swollen. Most of the swelling will settle in a couple of weeks and delicate make up can be worn to cover any bruising as soon as the plaster has been removed.
If you have had a closed Rhinoplasty there will be no external stitches, however with an open Rhinoplasty there will be stitches across the central strut (columella). Although these stitches are dissolvable the nurse may trim the ends of them. If you have had have a nostril reduction there will be external stitches that will need to be removed after about a week. The scars will be a little red at first, but are hidden in the natural shadow of the nose. They will heal with time.
Following surgery surgical tapes will cover the outside of your nose. A small plaster cast may also be required for about a week to support and protect the nose. After it is removed you will still need to have tapes applied across your nose for a few more days to help control the swelling as the nose heals.
It is normal for the nose to feel a little numb after surgery, but sensation will return as the nerve supply to the skin regenerates itself over the next few months.
It can take several months for all the swelling to settle, so it's important to realise that the shape of your new nose after the cast is removed, is not the final one. Scar tissue forms underneath the skin of the nose and although it is not visible it can effect the shape. The process of this scar maturation takes on average six months, sometimes longer, therefore you need to give your body the time it needs before the final result of your new nose becomes apparent.