Are you unhappy with the shape or form of your nose? It can have a real impact on the way you feel about yourself, and on your general confidence levels. The good news is that it doesn’t have to stay like that. Rhinoplasty, sometimes referred to a nose job, is a safe procedure that can give you the nose you’ve always wanted. Rhinoplasty is also recommended for people whose nasal anatomy is having a detrimental effect upon their breathing. Such patients are amazed how much easier they can breathe after surgery, and how much fitter they feel.
People considering rhinoplasty are often concerned about the recovery period afterward. That’s understandable, it is a surgical procedure after all. The reality of rhinoplasty recovery is often very different to people’s perceptions, and much less severe. Let’s take a look at what you can expect after having rhinoplasty.
Returning Home After Rhinoplasty
People feel better, and recover quicker, in the familiarity of their home environment, so you won’t be made to stay in the clinic longer than is absolutely necessary. The surgery itself will typically take between one and a half, to two hours. Dr Becker always uses a general anesthetic for the operation, to ensure patient safety. Patients who’ve received general anesthetic can feel a little confused or disoriented as the effects of it wear off, so ensure that you arranged for somebody to drive you home. Rhinoplasty patients will generally be discharged on the day of the operation.
Post Rhinoplasty Appearance
After the rhinoplasty has been performed, a splint will be applied to hold your nose in the correct position while the healing process occurs. There will be swelling and bruising around the nasal area in the immediate aftermath of the operation and this will continue for several days afterward. By using cold compresses and an anti-swelling kit, a patient can help to reduce the effects of the swelling.
Is Rhinoplasty Painful?
Any surgical procedure will bring a level of pain and discomfort, after the initial anesthetic has worn off. It is worth noting however, that the pain felt in this early period, usually around two days after the operation, is moderate rather than severe. Medication will be prescribed that will easily control this discomfort. After this two day period is over, Tylenol is commonly used to give further pain relief until the discomfort is completely gone.
How Long Does Rhinoplasty Recovery Take?
The recovery period after rhinoplasty is usually quick. It’s common for patients to stay in bed for the first few days following the surgery, but they will begin to feel a little better every day. After approximately 7-10 days any bruising or swelling will typically have gone. It’s usually around this time that patients are happy to be seen in public again, and to return to work, school or college. Exercise should be avoided for the first two weeks after the operation, after which a phased return to activity can take place depending upon how the patient feels. They can take part in contact sports again around 6 weeks after rhinoplasty.
Bruising and discomfort after nose surgery quickly disappear, but the positive effects will last forever. If you want to discuss the benefits of rhinoplasty further, make an appointment with Dr Becker today.