Your rhinoplasty recovery and results will take some time to develop, but you should see gradual improvements and changes in the appearance and function of your nose over the coming weeks and months. That said, it can take up to 1 year to see your final results after a nose job.
The good news is that there are plenty of nose job recovery tips that you can implement right now that can help to ensure a smooth, speedy healing process.
1. Use a Cold Compress, but Not Directly on Your Nose
You can use a cold compress within the first 72 hours — or three days — after your rhinoplasty to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. But the trick is to avoid placing the compress directly on your nose, as this could potentially affect your final outcome. Instead, place a cold compress on your cheeks so that swelling can be reduced without applying any extra pressure to your nose.
Additionally, never apply ice directly to your skin. Always wrap ice cubes or frozen veggies in a towel before putting them on your skin. Apply the compress for no more than 20 minutes at a time before taking a break and repeat again in another 20 minutes if needed.
2. Eat Foods Rich in Vitamins C and A
Eating right, getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water are crucial when recovering from plastic surgery.
During rhinoplasty recovery, your body needs as much help as it can get through your diet and other lifestyle habits to boost its ability to heal. One great way to fuel your recovery is to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables — especially those rich in vitamins C and A.
These vitamins are powerful antioxidants that can help your body recover, recharge and fight off infection more effectively. Some foods in this category include:
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
- Citrus fruits
- Kale
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
3. Skip the Steamy Soup
Sipping a steaming cup of soup might sound comforting, but this isn’t the best idea when recovering from a nose job. The warm temperature can cause your nose to swell even more, which can slow down your healing process. The same goes for hot showers, saunas and other sources of heat. These are best avoided for the first few weeks after your rhinoplasty procedure.
Similarly, it’s important to stay out of the sun while recovering from any surgical procedure. Too much sun exposure can negatively affect scarring and may slow healing.
4. Don’t Blow Your Nose
Because your nasal passages will be swollen after rhinoplasty, your nose will likely feel congested for several weeks following your procedure. Resist the urge to blow your nose, though, as this can damage the healing tissue inside your nose and may affect your results.
If you feel like you have to sneeze, try to do so through your mouth to reduce the amount of force on your nose. Generally speaking, you should be able to resume blowing your nose and sneezing through your nose around 6 weeks after your rhinoplasty.
Waleed Ezzat, M.D., F.A.C.S. is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He operates under the philosophy that natural beauty is the best kind of beauty. Dr. Ezzat addresses each aesthetic or reconstructive challenge by considering the whole facial anatomy rather than focusing on one isolated area. This comprehensive approach maintains a goal of fully functional and natural-looking results that fit perfectly within each individual’s unique genetic makeup.
