Four Things That Can Slow Down Your Rhinoplasty Healing

With proper rhinoplasty aftercare, you may be able to return to your normal daily activities sooner than you think. However, there are certainly behaviors that can significantly delay your recovery and even cause complications that require a repeat procedure. At VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, top board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi is committed to helping patients achieve their ideal results and enjoy the speediest and most comfortable recovery possible with advanced rhinoplasty surgery and aftercare. Learn more about the fundamentals of rhinoplasty recovery, including how long healing may take and what things to avoid after surgery.

What are the benefits of rhinoplasty?

Nose surgery can help patients look better, feel more confident, and breathe more comfortably. Whether you are self-conscious about the cosmetic appearance of your nose or struggle with disruptive symptoms, you may be a candidate for rhinoplasty. Some of the complaints that frequently lead men, women, and teenagers to consider rhinoplasty in Las Vegas include:

• Size of nose
• Shape of nose
• Nose is too wide or too narrow
• Crooked nose
• Asymmetric nose
• Nose doesn’t fit face
• Previously broken nose
• Nostril size
• Hump in bridge of nose
• Upturned nose
• Hooked nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen turbinates
• Interrupted sleep
• Sleep apnea
• Snoring
• Deviated septum

How does rhinoplasty surgery work?

There are many different ways in which rhinoplasty can be performed, each of which is designed for a specific purpose or patient. Depending on your concerns or symptoms, your ideal outcome, your nasal anatomy, and other personal factors, Dr. Khorsandi will recommend the most appropriate type of rhinoplasty for you. Common nose surgeries include:

• Traditional rhinoplasty
• Ethnic rhinoplasty
• Revision rhinoplasty
• Functional rhinoplasty
• Septoplasty
• Turbinectomy
• Liquid rhinoplasty

In the majority of cases, nose surgery is performed using general anesthesia and as an outpatient procedure. Based on the specifics of your case, Dr. Khorsandi may use an open rhinoplasty approach – which involves a small incision at the base of the nose – or a closed rhinoplasty approach. With a closed rhinoplasty, all of the incisions are made within the nose. In either case, however, patients are left with virtually no visible scarring. Following the procedure, patients will be discharged into the care of a trusted friend or family member to begin their recovery at home.

What to expect during rhinoplasty recovery

In the first few days after rhinoplasty surgery, some amount of bruising, swelling, and discomfort is to be expected. Bruising may also be present beneath the eyes. Many patients are comfortable enough to return to work about one week after rhinoplasty, and makeup can be used to conceal any bruising that remains at that time. After about 2 – 3 weeks, the majority of rhinoplasty swelling will have resolved, though the healing process will continue for up to six months. At that time, patients will be able to fully enjoy the final results of their rhinoplasty.

To ensure the speediest, most comfortable, and most successful recovery possible, rhinoplasty patients should strictly avoid these four things:

1. Putting pressure on their nose: Even the weight of eyeglasses can compromise the results of a rhinoplasty. Patients should avoid wearing glasses, pulling clothing directly over their face, sleeping on their stomach or side, inverting their head, and any other behaviors that create pressure on or in the nose.

2. Blowing their nose: Pressure inside the nose can also affect rhinoplasty healing and results. Instead of blowing your nose during rhinoplasty recovery, Dr. Khorsandi may recommend using a saline nasal spray to relieve any congestion you may experience.

3. Engaging in strenuous physical activity: Strenuous exercise is another cause of pressure on and in the nose. Additionally, playing sports, throwing balls, or participating in group sports and activities increases the risk of your nose being bumped, hit, or damaged while it is healing.

4. Smoking: We all know the general risks that smoking poses to your overall health. While you are recovering from surgery, proper circulation is essential for efficient healing. Smoking, which constricts blood vessels and affects blood flow, can delay your rhinoplasty recovery.

Stick to a healthy diet and cautious lifestyle for the best results after your Las Vegas rhinoplasty

With all that you have invested into your nose surgery, you owe it to yourself to protect your investment. With small lifestyle changes and temporary behavioral modifications, you can set yourself up for a comfortable recovery, speedy healing, and stunning results. To learn more about the life-changing results that are possible with rhinoplasty, call VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV to schedule your private consultation with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today!