When Can I Touch My Nose After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Once your rhinoplasty surgery is complete, it’s understandable that you’ll be anxious to get back to your normal activities – and show off your newly enhanced nose – as soon as possible. However, the delicate tissues involved in nasal surgery can be damaged without proper rhinoplasty aftercare and patience during recovery. At VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, esteemed board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi ensures his patients are educated and equipped to enjoy a smooth recovery, successful healing, and stunning result using the most advanced rhinoplasty tools and technologies available today. Find answers to many of your rhinoplasty recovery questions here, including when you can touch your nose, sleep on your stomach, wear glasses, and resume the rest of your favorite activities after your nose enhancement surgery.

How is rhinoplasty performed?

The details of your rhinoplasty recovery will depend heavily on the type of rhinoplasty performed, the technique used, and other aspects of your surgery. Based on your specific concerns, nasal anatomy, needs, and other factors, Dr. Khorsandi will determine the most appropriate rhinoplasty approach for you. Some of the most frequently performed nose surgeries in Las Vegas include:

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

In some cases, rhinoplasty is performed as an open procedure, meaning there is an incision placed on the outside of the nose, just beneath the nostrils. Other times, Dr. Khorsandi may elect to perform a closed rhinoplasty, which involves incisions within the nose only. Additional techniques that may be included in your nose surgery are bone shaving, cartilage grafting, and internal sutures.

What to expect after rhinoplasty surgery

Almost immediately after rhinoplasty surgery, patients can expect swelling, bruising, discomfort, and a feeling of nasal congestion. The severity of these symptoms will depend on the nature and extent of the procedure, though in general, patients are able to comfortably resume light work and other activities about one week after rhinoplasty. Additional dos and don’ts after rhinoplasty include:

• Don’t touch your nose: Patients should take great care to avoid putting any pressure on their nose, including even touching the nose, for at least 1 – 2 weeks after surgery, or until Dr. Khorsandi advises that it is okay to do so.

• Don’t blow your nose: Because many patients experience a feeling of congestion after rhinoplasty surgery, it can be tempting to blow your nose. However, this can severely damage the nasal tissues and delay healing or even compromise your cosmetic outcome. Instead, it may be helpful to use a saline nasal spray to relieve congestion.

• Don’t wear glasses: Even the light weight of glasses can put undue pressure on the healing nasal tissues and may cause an indentation in the bridge of the nose. In most cases, patients can begin wearing glasses again about 2 – 3 weeks after rhinoplasty surgery.

• Do sleep on your back: Patients should plan to sleep on their back with their head elevated for at least 1 – 2 weeks after rhinoplasty – and often longer – to avoid compromising their results and/or worsening their postoperative symptoms.

During your preoperative appointments, Dr. Khorsandi will carefully discuss all of the details of rhinoplasty recovery and nose surgery aftercare with you to ensure you are fully prepared and comfortable with your postoperative instructions.

Enhance your natural beauty with a personalized rhinoplasty in Las Vegas, NV

Whatever it is that you don’t love about your nose, we can help to correct it. To learn more about the exciting transformations that may be possible for you with a rhinoplasty in Las Vegas, call VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your private consultation with renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today!