Rhinoplasty has emerged as one of the highly favored surgical procedures in recent times, and its patient cohort leans notably young—consider teenagers. This might give the impression of a simple procedure, yet while it can be so, its recovery phase is more elaborate (not to mention lengthier) than what one might assume from a brief TikTok montage.
“The recovery period for surgical rhinoplasty varies, depending on the type of surgery carried out,” states board-certified Beverly Hills, California, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Deepak Raj Dugar. “On average, [it] can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks for general swelling and inflammation to subside.” Then, he adds, 6 to 12 months for the micro-swelling to disappear and results to fully manifest.
Not unexpectedly, most post-operative suggestions aim to mitigate that inflammation, which can occur at a diverse pace for each patient, remarks board-certified New York City facial plastic surgeon Dr. Dara Liotta. “The final spot for swelling to resolve is around the tip of the nose,” she says. “In patients with thicker skin or in the case of revision rhinoplasty, it may actually take up to two years to observe all the clarity around that area.”
With this in view, here’s what to steer clear of in the days and weeks following rhinoplasty, to guarantee the most favorable outcomes.
1. Don’t apply ice to your nose
Though icing your nose could seem like an evident method to reduce general swelling, it should actually be avoided after your surgery—a recommendation that typically astonishes patients. “Icing within the first 48 hours constricts the blood vessels and reduces the amount of bruising and swelling that develops,” says Dr. Liotta, who suggests icing the nose for 20 minutes of each hour (only while you’re awake) during that period. “After 48 hours, however, once swelling and bruising are established, we actually desire the blood vessels to supply blood to the area to assist in ‘clearing up’ the bruising.” In reality, applying ice to your nose after that time frame will actually prolong the bruising and swelling.
2. Don’t wear your spectacles
Spectacles present a distinctive predicament, as they might be an indispensable part of life for both nearsighted and farsighted individuals. The concern: “Spectacles rest on the bridge of the nose and can cause a modification in the soft tissue swelling during the acute healing period,” explains Dr. Dugar. He advises avoiding them or, if that’s not feasible, using an optic bridge, which is a device that supports the spectacles using the cheeks instead of the bridge of the nose.
3. Don’t go for a jog
While contact sports, such as a basketball game, are prohibited for obvious reasons (in case the ball hits the nose), there are other, less anticipated types of exercise that should also be avoided. For running, jogging, or any activity involving jumping, “the impact with the ground will naturally reach the most movable part of your body—which, during your post-acute healing, would be your nose,” says Dr. Dugar. That could inadvertently shift or mobilize the nasal bones, altering the ultimate appearance of the nose. He recommends holding off for six weeks, until the nose has healed sufficiently to have a low risk of injury. The good news? “Walking on an inclined treadmill, cycling, or using a Stairmaster is perfectly fine,” he states.
4. Don’t blow your nose
Keep your hands away from the tissue, as you can’t blow your nose for a week after the surgery, says Dr. Liotta. You might be inclined to do so, as “it’s normal to feel extremely congested—like having a very severe cold—after the surgery,” she explains, noting that this sensation could persist for up to two weeks. But blowing your nose could increase the likelihood of a nosebleed, contributing to post-operative bruising.
5. Don’t sleep on your side or stomach
If you’re already a back sleeper, you’re fortunate. “We suggest sleeping on your back, with two or three pillows behind your head to provide support and elevate it above the level of your heart,” says Dr. Dugar. While sleeping on your side or stomach won’t necessarily cause any post-operative issues, sleeping on your back with the head elevated is still preferred during the initial six-week period to minimize swelling.
6. Don’t engage in vigorous activities
Again, when it comes to physical activity, it’s not only about something (or someone) potentially hitting or moving the nose but rather a consideration of the impact elsewhere in the body that could affect the nose through less obvious routes. So for whatever you do, Dr. Dugar says, “we recommend adopting the same mindset that I mentioned earlier, regarding strenuous physical exercise.” That means, you don’t have to completely refrain from it but should limit jostling and any high-impact movements. The same holds true for your sex life. “We usually allow the patients to use their imagination to understand what their sexual limitations might be,” he says.
7. Don’t bask in the sun
Beach outings are acceptable, as long as you’re wearing the appropriate protection—sunscreen, applied carefully, and a hat with a wide brim. “When exposed to the sun, you need to keep your face fully covered for four to six weeks to prevent inflammation from direct sunlight,” says Dr. Dugar. Since swelling and redness are two indicators of inflammation, sitting in the sun only aggravates both.
8. Don’t undergo other facial treatments
Anticipate that any other cosmetic treatments, including lasers and facials, should be avoided for up to six weeks to allow the nose to heal without interruption. (The same applies to facedown massages, by the way.) That said, Dr. Liotta does recommend having a mechanical exfoliant, such as a scrub, available for after the surgery. “It’s common for the skin on the nose to peel like a snake’s as the swelling subsides,” she explains. Gentle manual exfoliation can assist in removing the dead skin for a smoother appearance.
