Nose Reshaping

Recovering after rhinoplasty

Black eyes after your surgery and a swollen face should not worry you. This is normal as your nasal bones have undergone re-setting. Most of this swelling will settle in two weeks. Make up can then cover any bruising.

You will experience a certain degree of pain after rhinoplasty that is relieved with a mild analgesic such as Paracetamol in the following days.

Sometimes your surgeon will place a package inside the nose that will prevent you from breathing through the nose. This is usually removed 2 days after the operation.

After your surgery you will be asked to:

• Avoid taking aspirin for some time because it can provoke bleeding.
• Avoid vigorous activity for two or three days to reduce the risk of a nosebleed.
• Do not blow your nose or sneeze through it for 10 days after surgery. If you sneeze, please open your mouth.
• Take Arnica for a week before your surgery and two weeks after to reduce the swelling and bruising.

You may remove any crusts or clots on the insides of your nostrils using water on a cotton bud rolled around inside the nostril margin.

Light to moderate bleeding from the nose is normal. The gauze dressing under your nose will collect the blood and may be changed as needed or removed when no longer needed. In the beginning, it is normal to have to change this dressing frequently.Significant bleeding (secondary haemorrhage) is very rare and usually caused by infection.

At Home after Procedure

• Try to sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows.
• Ice packs (crushed ice in zip lock bags or frozen pea bags work well) placed over the eyes will help reduce swelling; they may be used (10 min on, 10 min off) until bedtime.
• You may climb stairs or go to the bathroom with assistance.
• Take your medications as prescribed.
• Eat light, soft meals as tolerated, avoiding gas-stimulating or salty foods.
• Shower with warm (not hot) water only, avoiding water on the face.
• Try to breathe normally, however the internal swelling may cause you to feel very congested.
• After the cast is removed, avoid striking or bumping your nose; try not to roll onto it while asleep. Clean the external nasal skin gently with soap.
• After the cast is removed, wear padding between eyeglasses and the nose for one month. Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• Do not expose your nose to the sun for 4-6 weeks. Use a sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) for 6 months after surgery if sun exposure is absolutely necessary.

It is essential to remember that the healing process takes at least six months and only then you will be able to see the final shape of your nose.

It is normal for the tip of the nose to feel a little numb after surgery, but this sensation will disappear as the nerve supply to the skin regenerates.

Scar tissue will form beneath the skin of the nose. This scar maturation takes around six months and will have a profound effect on the final shape of your nose.