The stages of rhinoplasty recovery is as important as the procedure itself. For years, the rhinoplasty procedure has long held the title for the most popular plastic surgery of our time. This is a fact that is true across the United States. Prospective patients from across the country visit professional cosmetic surgeons who are true experts in the rhinoplasty procedure.
The rhinoplasty surgery, which is often called a nose job by patients, improves the appearance of a person’s nose. Sometimes it reduces the size of a nose, while other times, it reshapes a person’s nose. No matter what a patient is looking for out of this surgery, an expert cosmetic surgeon will make sure their new nose improves harmony, highlights their personality, and enhances their natural ethnic features.
Reasons People Seek Rhinoplasty Procedures
The rhinoplasty is not a difficult procedure for patients. It does not take a very long time to complete, and the recovery process is fairly short. Once it is all said and done, the patient will find that they look better and even feel better. Many patients are surprised that, after the surgery, they can also breathe better and sleep better at night because the surgery addresses structural issues as well as aesthetic issues. Most patients will spend between one hour and three hours undergoing the surgery, depending on the complexity of their case. General anesthesia is typically used to complete the procedure, but patients can discuss other options with the surgeon, such as local anesthetics combined with oral sedatives.
Most patients who visit cosmetic surgeons in hopes of having a rhinoplasty performed spend their time dreaming about what their new nose will look like on their face. While this is an important image to keep in mind, experienced cosmetic surgeons feel that patients are better prepared both mentally and physically for the surgery when they have an accurate idea of what the recovery process will be like. Most surgeons prefer to outline the following recovery stages to their prospective patients when they sit down for their initial consultation at their offices.
Stages of Rhinoplasty Recovery
Stage One
The first phase of the recovery process lasts about one week. This is the most intensive week of the recovery process and ultimately one of the most critical stages for the final results. The first hours and days after the operation can be challenging for the patient, as they are sore and there is some bruising and swelling present on the face. Once the operation is complete, a splint is placed over the nose. Patients are instructed to leave the splint in place for about a week as this splint protects the nose and also reduces the amount of bruising and swelling.
A nasal splint is placed on the face immediately after the operation is complete and must stay on the face for at least a week. It is important that the patient keeps his or her head elevated for the first few days in order to avoid putting pressure on the face. A patient who wears glasses should avoid having the frames rest on the nose. Instead, the patient should tape their glasses to the edge of their forehead in order to keep them in place. After a week, most rhinoplasty patients can fly on an airplane again, but it is important to consult the surgeon before making any decisions.
Stage Two
After one week has passed, the second week after the operation is critical in order to refine the overall results. The cosmetic surgeon will warn patients that they will likely have a bit of bruising and swelling immediately after the surgery but that this subsides within a few days.
Patients should make extra efforts to reduce the swelling and bruising on their face by avoiding blood-thinning medications like aspirin and taking herbal supplements known to reduce swelling, such as Bromelain. In addition, it is essential to keep up on Vitamin C intake by drinking orange juice and taking supplements if necessary. If all is going well, most patients are able to start a light exercise routine after two weeks, and most people are already back to work.
Stage Three
By the time the patient is 2 to 4 months out from the operation, much of their life can return to normal again. The patient will be able to see the final results of their surgery after the splint is taken off of the nose. At this time, it is safe to go back out into public and show off the new nose. Patients should still remain vigilant and avoid contact sports for several more weeks.
The patient can resume contact sports and can wear their glasses normally once again after receiving permission from the surgeon. Your friends and family likely won’t notice any residual swelling.
Stage Four
Within 6 to 12 months of the operation, patients will experience the moment they have been waiting for since having the operation. At this point, almost all swelling and post-surgical symptoms will reside completely, and patients will see the refined and true results of their rhinoplasty procedure. It is time to get back to enjoying life, but now you will have a brand new nose to show off.
Professional cosmetic surgeons pride themselves on their individualized approaches. Expert plastic surgeons take the time to get to know each patient, and this effort pays off in the end when the patient receives outstanding results that truly work for them.