The Dangers Of Blowing Your Nose After Rhinoplasty

When you think about recovery after rhinoplasty, you probably imagine resting in bed with your head propped up and avoiding an accidental bump to the nose by your kids or pets. However, you may be surprised to learn that even seemingly harmless daily routines – such as getting dressed or blowing your nose – can also pose risks to your rhinoplasty results. Award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the expert team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV are committed to making rhinoplasty recovery as easy, comfortable, and successful as possible by ensuring patients know what to expect after a nose job and how to prepare for the postoperative period. Learn more about the dos and don’ts of rhinoplasty recovery here, including when you may be able to safely blow your nose again.

How is rhinoplasty performed?

The details of your nose surgery in Las Vegas will vary depending on the type of rhinoplasty performed, your personal concerns and goals, the surgeon’s approach, and a number of other factors. Some of the most commonly performed nose surgeries include:

• Traditional rhinoplasty: can be used to enhance the cosmetic appearance and/or function of the nose

• Ethnic rhinoplasty: typically reserved for patients of certain ethnicities who are interested in improving the size, shape, or other characteristic(s) of the nose without compromising their overall culturally unique look

• Revision rhinoplasty: used to correct unsatisfactory results of a previously performed nasal surgery

Additionally, Dr. Khorsandi is highly experienced in septoplasty, turbinectomy, and other complex nose surgery techniques that are beneficial for patients with certain structural or functional abnormalities of the nose.

In the majority of cases, rhinoplasty is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and takes about 1 – 3 hours to complete.

How long does it take to recover after rhinoplasty?

Generally speaking, most patients take about 1 – 2 weeks off of work after rhinoplasty surgery, though you will likely begin feeling more like yourself much sooner than this. However, it is still critical that you avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, exercise, and certain movements or positions. The first several days after surgery should be devoted to rest, but it is important to take short, brief walks around the house to prevent postoperative complications. During this time, some level of discomfort, bruising, and swelling are to be expected, though the majority of these symptoms should resolve within the first 7 – 10 days after surgery. After this initial healing period, you will begin to notice your newly enhanced nose taking shape, and your results should continue to develop and improve over the next several weeks and months as the remainder of the swelling subsides.

How long after rhinoplasty can you blow your nose?

In addition to the more obvious restrictions on activities, such as exercise and contact sports, patients should be aware of everyday routines and practices that may need to be adjusted during rhinoplasty recovery. This includes something as innocent as blowing your nose. Unfortunately, congestion and runny nose are common postoperative side effects after rhinoplasty. However, patients should refrain from blowing their nose and instead let nasal drip occur naturally, wiping gently with a tissue as needed. Because the internal structures of the nose are delicate and fragile following surgery, the intense pressure associated with blowing your nose can cause bleeding, delay healing, and potentially compromise your final cosmetic or functional outcome, which may lead to the need for a second or subsequent revision procedure.

In most cases, surgeons recommend that patients do not blow their nose for a minimum of 7 – 10 days after nasal surgery, though a longer period of restriction – up to 3 – 4 weeks – is ideal. During your postoperative follow-up appointments, Dr. Khorsandi will carefully evaluate your healing progress and let you know when you can safely resume your normal daily routines, including blowing your nose.

Make sure you know what not to do after rhinoplasty

With most patients focusing on what they should do after nose surgery, many men and women are unaware of what they should not do after rhinoplasty. To ensure ideal results as well as a safe, comfortable, and speedy recovery after rhinoplasty, avoid these:

What not to do after rhinoplasty

• Do NOT blow your nose
• Do NOT sleep on your stomach or side
• Do NOT take a shower
• Do NOT go swimming or submerge your nose
• Do NOT wear glasses directly on your nasal bridge
• Do NOT pull shirts, sweaters, or other clothing over your head and against your nose
• Avoid sneezing with your mouth closed
• Do NOT exercise, run, jog, bend, lift, stoop, or strain
• Do NOT play sports
• Do NOT smoke

Get the gorgeous nose you were meant to have with Las Vegas, NV rhinoplasty

Whether you have been unhappy with the appearance of your nose for years or have only recently begun to experience breathing problems, rhinoplasty surgery may be a fantastic solution for you. When considering nose surgery in Las Vegas, it is important to select a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who understands the complexities and nuances of rhinoplasty and is knowledgeable in the most appropriate rhinoplasty recovery guidelines. To learn more about the life-changing benefits of Las Vegas rhinoplasty, call the exceptional team at VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your private in-office or virtual consultation with internationally recognized plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today!