In the United States, at least 220,000 rhinoplasties are performed each year. So not only is nose job surgery the most common facial plastic surgery in the country, but it’s also a safe and effective cosmetic procedure.
The risks may be small and complications rare during any nose job procedure, but there is still a considerable amount of downtime needed to recover afterward.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty, it’s essential to know what you can expect from nose job recovery to see if this procedure is right for you. Please keep reading for everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
The Benefits of Rhinoplasty
There are many benefits to getting a nose job.
Opting for plastic surgery is something that both women and men choose for various reasons. Rhinoplasty can alter the shape, size, and proportions of your nose.
There are a wide variety of aesthetic goals that rhinoplasty can help achieve. The possibilities go on from correcting asymmetry and promoting facial balance to altering nostril width and shape, bridge size, and removing lumps or depressions. While it’s often done for cosmetic reasons, a nose job can also correct a congenital disability, repair deformities from an injury, and improve breathing difficulties.
Learn more about rhinoplasty here.
Nose Job Recovery Explained
Nose job recovery time varies from person to person and depends on the procedure.
After the surgery, you’ll need to rest with your head elevated to reduce swelling and bleeding. In addition, your nose may feel congested due to swelling or from splints placed inside your nose during the procedure.
The internal dressings must remain in place for about a week after your surgery. The doctor will also tape a splint to your nose for added protection, which stays in place for about a week.
Slight bleeding and discharge are typical for a few days into surgery recovery or after your dressings have been removed. It’s also normal for your eyelids to swell or become black and blue for up to three weeks after the procedure.
Take Precautions
To lower the chances of swelling and bleeding, your doctor may ask you to follow a set of precautions for several weeks after the procedure. These precautions include:
- Avoiding strenuous activities
- Taking baths instead of showers to keep the area dry
- Eating high-fiber foods to prevent constipation and strain
- Avoiding smiling, laughing, and blowing your nose
- Brushing your teeth gently to limit upper lip movement
- Wearing clothes that fasten in the front
- Not wearing glasses or sunglasses until the site has healed
- Wearing a high SPF sunscreen to prevent discoloration to your nose’s skin
It could take up to a year for the swelling to completely subside and for the lasting shape of your new nose to appear. However, most rhinoplasty patients see a gradual change in appearance over the first few weeks after surgery as the tissues heal and the swelling continues to dissipate.
A Minor Change With Lasting Results
Getting nasal surgery can make a world of difference and is often a huge confidence booster.
Even a very minor change can significantly affect your appearance, physical comfort, and overall happiness. In addition, knowing what to expect during a nose job recovery often helps lead to a better and more rewarding outcome.
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