Five Things To Avoid After Rhinoplasty For An Easier Recovery

Rhinoplasty is a popular surgical option for patients who may be unhappy with the size or shape of their nose. Along with the procedure’s cosmetic benefits, rhinoplasty can also improve nasal function and help with breathing problems. At VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi combines the art and science of rhinoplasty so patients can have pleasing and effective results.

Rhinoplasty surgery is performed at an accredited surgery center on an outpatient basis while the patient is under general anesthesia. Like with any cosmetic surgery, preparation is essential for a smooth recovery period. Our facility can help individuals reduce aftereffects such as swelling, bruising, and bleeding with educational resources and information. Learn about the activities to avoid after rhinoplasty by reading below or by scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Khorsandi.

Rhinoplasty consultation and surgery

Since there is no single nasal shape that works for everyone, rhinoplasty is a custom surgery that emphasizes each person’s unique features. At the initial rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Khorsandi will examine the nose, including the bones and cartilage, as well as the nasal passage. Some patients seek cosmetic surgery because they are unhappy with the appearance of their nose, while others may have difficulty breathing. After learning about your concerns and goals, we will provide you with all the information needed to make the rhinoplasty surgery successful.

At VIP Plastic Surgery, our staff will also review your medical history and other relevant information in order to provide you with effective results. Bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes are common side effects after the procedure. It is also normal for these to worsen a little on the second day after surgery and then slowly improve over the next few weeks. All of the swelling should resolve within 6 – 12 months, which is when patients should expect to see their final lasting outcome. Listening to Dr. Khorsandi’s advice about rhinoplasty recovery is vital to ensure a pleasing outcome, including avoiding the activities listed below.

1. Strenuous activities

Physical activities such as strenuous exercise should be avoided for a minimum of three weeks after rhinoplasty surgery. Even if your nose isn't painful while healing, exertion can disrupt the healing process and cause unnecessary bleeding. You may be able to participate in light activity, such as walking, but make sure to give yourself enough time to rest in order to avoid complications or injuries. Based on the physical demands of your job, you may also need to wait until you are cleared to return to work.

2. Blowing your nose

Even though blowing your nose seems like a harmless activity, and even necessary when experiencing an allergy or cold, it can cause damage to the structure of your nose if done too soon after rhinoplasty. Aggressive blowing may tear or damage the nasal tissue. To avoid the need to blow your nose, we recommend washing your hands on a regular basis and staying away from sick relatives and friends. Hand sanitizer is a useful tool during rhinoplasty recovery so you don’t catch unwanted cold or flu germs.

3. Sun exposure

Once the bandages have been removed, it may be tempting to go out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Patients should be careful, as excessive sun exposure can lead to discoloration at the incision sites. Since UV damage is a contributing factor to skin cancer, sunlight exposure also increases your risk for other health complications. Dr. Khorsandi will clear you for outdoor activities during a follow-up examination, but be sure to wear a hat and a high SPF sunscreen after rhinoplasty to be on the safe side.

4. Touching your nose

After rhinoplasty surgery, you may be curious about what your new nose looks like. Touching or placing pressure on the nose, however, risks reshaping the cartilage and altering the results. You may be surprised to learn how often you touch your nose throughout the day without realizing it. This includes activities such as washing your face or putting on clothing. Try to keep the area protected as much as possible. If you encounter any problems after surgery, speak with Dr. Khorsandi about steps you can take to reverse the damage.

5. Smoking or consuming nicotine

Most physicians consider smoking to be a dangerous and high-risk activity for anyone recovering from plastic surgery. This is because nicotine is known to restrict blood flow and delay healing. Mixing nicotine with cosmetic surgery can also result in infections, blood clots, and other life-threatening complications. To be safe, VIP Plastic Surgery asks that you stay away from cigarettes and other nicotine products for at least three weeks after rhinoplasty surgery.

Easy rhinoplasty recovery

Ready for rhinoplasty? Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi tailors each patient’s treatment plan to their individual needs for the best results possible. Whether you have an undesirable bump on your nose or suffer from long-term breathing issues, the staff at VIP Plastic Surgery will work with you for a nose that looks great and functions well. We invite you to view our before-and-after photo gallery to see the wide range of surgical work performed at our facility in Las Vegas, NV.