The rhinoplasty recovery process is extremely individualized. What you do (or do not do) in the weeks after surgery can affect how quickly you heal and how comfortable the process is.
To increase the likelihood of a smooth, complication-free recovery, Dr. Robert Graper and Dr. Garrett Harper suggest you avoid the following:
Strenuous Activity
During the first few weeks of your rhinoplasty recovery, you must avoid any vigorous or strenuous activity, including aerobic exercise and heavy lifting. Strenuous activities can increase blood flow to your face, which can increase swelling and lead to bleeding. Also, vigorous activities can put you at risk of bumping, shifting or otherwise damaging your healing nose.
You are, however, encouraged to take short walks. Not only is walking a good way to burn off energy, it’s also good for your circulation and helps to prevent blood clots.
Wearing Glasses
Since glasses rest on the bridge of your nose, you will need to refrain from wearing them during your initial recovery. It might be a good time to switch to contact lenses until the tissues and cartilage have healed. Or, you might try taping your glasses just above your nose so they do not rest on the bridge of the nose.
Blowing Your Nose
Blowing your nose can be dangerous after rhinoplasty, as it can interfere with healing and lead to bleeding. If your nose runs, you can wipe it very gently with a tissue.
To minimize your chances of catching a cold or the flu and needing to blow your nose, stay away from people who might be ill, wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer.
Going Out in the Sun
Sun exposure can lead to bad scarring and other complications. If you must go out in the sun for a prolonged period of time, wear a wide-brimmed hat and ask our doctors if you can apply sunscreen to the skin on the nose.
Lying Flat or Sleeping On Your Side or Stomach
Lying flat can cause increased blood flow to the face and nose, which leads to bleeding, swelling and sometimes even pain. In the week or two immediately after rhinoplasty, you must sleep on your back with your head elevated on two or three pillows or sleep in a reclining chair at an angle. Our doctors will clear you to resume sleeping on your sides or lying flat.
If you have additional questions or concerns about recovering from rhinoplasty, Dr. Graper and Dr. Harper are happy to help. Please contact our Charlotte office to get in touch with our team.