Rhinoplasty can make a big difference to the way a person looks, and this in turn can make a big difference to their confidence, and the way they feel about themselves. Some people, however, are worried about the after effects of nose surgery. At Becker Rhinoplasty Centers we don’t use nasal packing. This means that recovery times can be quicker than they otherwise would be, and swelling, bruising and discomfort may be reduced. Nevertheless, it usually takes up to two weeks before a patient has recovered enough to return to work, or to school. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can speed up your recovery from rhinoplasty.
Use Ice Packs To Reduce Swelling
Immediately after surgery, there will usually be swelling around the nose and the eyes, which may be accompanied by bruising. The patient will also feel some moderate pain or discomfort. Your rhinoplasty practitioner will prescribe pain killers for this initial period, but you may not need to use them after two days. Ice packs can be carefully placed, and used to reduce swelling and bruising.
Avoid Aspirin
Don’t be tempted to use aspirin as a pain killer. It thins the blood, and this can make bleeding more likely and prevent blood clotting that is needed to speed up rhinoplasty recovery. For this reason, aspirin should be avoided for two weeks before and after surgery. Vitamin E supplements and Ibuprofen and Motrin should also be avoided for the same reason.
Keep Well Hydrated And Eat Healthily
It’s important to keep well hydrated after nose surgery, so drink plenty of water in the days following the procedure, or take in fluids via drinks such as Gatorade. A healthy person will recover faster than a less healthy individual, so it’s important to keep to a balanced, nutritional diet before and after surgery. Smoking should also be avoided, as studies show that non-smokers make a quicker recovery.
Refrain From Vigorous Exercise
In the post-operative period, the structure of your nose will still be strengthening and stabilizing. It’s very important, therefore, to avoid knocking it during this period. Moderate exercise, such as jogging, should be possible after around three weeks, but contact sports should be avoided for at least two months after rhinoplasty has been carried out.
Don’t Blow Your Nose
However much you feel like it, you should under no circumstances blow your nose for at least two weeks after rhinoplasty. During this time you should also avoid putting the bridge of spectacles on your nose, and be very careful when applying make up. You should also be careful when brushing your teeth, and do so in as gentle a fashion as possible.
By following these tips, you can speed up the time it takes to make a full recovery from rhinoplasty. Most patients find that the recovery period seems to pass very quickly, and they are then left with positive results that last a lifetime. For more information about rhinoplasty procedures, and the recovery process, or to make an appointment, contact Dr Becker today.