Nose reshaping cosmetic surgery typically takes two hours to complete. However, the entire process from the pre-operative preparation and post-op recovery takes a considerable amount of time.
Patients should be willing to commit the required time for a safe and comfortable recovery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides rhinoplasty to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and other neighborhoods and suburbs in this part of the state.
Post-Operative Care
Following the rhinoplasty procedure, the nose surgeon and their team will update the patient or their attendant on the post-operative care.
Nose reshaping plastic surgery is an intricate procedure, and successful results depend on the patient following the guidelines in a diligent manner. Preferably, the patient should enlist a friend or family member to help them with routine activities for two to three days after the procedure.
The below mentioned post-operative guidelines can help mitigate pain and discomfort during the recovery phase:
- Remain adequately hydrated
- Apply cold compresses to mitigate the swelling
- Rest properly in the initial week at home
- Avoid aggressive motions and exercises for a few days after the procedure
- Not blow the nose in the initial few days
Initial 48 Hours
Most patients find the initial 48 hours following the surgery challenging. At this time, the patient may still be under the effects of the anesthetic and also be experiencing mild discomfort.
The surgeon may prescribe pain meds to the patient. However, some patients only need OTC medications to address the discomfort. Some issues that the patients experience following the nose reshaping recovery phase are as follows:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Swelling
- Bruising
The patient should ideally remain in bed with their head in an upright position during the initial 24 hours following the nose job. Their face may be puffy, and they may experience a headache as well. The patient may also experience nosebleeds during this period.
It is important that the patient avoids blowing their nose during this period as it can loosen or open the stitches adversely impacting the healing process.
Improvement in the Following Days
The plastic surgeon will evaluate the progress of the patient during a follow-up consultation nearly a week after the nose surgery. In case the surgeon has placed nasal packing during the surgery, they will remove it during this appointment along with sutures or a splint. By this time, the bruising and swelling should have subsided.
A majority of patients can rejoin work and undertake routine tasks within a week following the procedure. It is imperative for patients to remain cautious and avoid aggressive activities.
They should not undertake sports or lift heavy weights for nearly two weeks after the nose job. In addition, they should avoid blowing their nose for some days after the procedure. Air travel is not recommended right after the surgery. Neither is camping, hiking, an ATV tour, playing softball for example, running with your dog, and so on. Wait a few days or at least a week to engage in these types of activities.
The benefits that a patient derives from rhinoplasty are much more than the initial discomfort for a majority of patients. Many side effects are mild and resolve within one or two weeks after the surgery. Focused cosmetic surgeon Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com
Schedule a Consultation: (760) 537.4579