What to Expect after Rhinoplasty By Jon Turk on January 14, 2013

Simply stated, rhinoplasty is probably the most transformative of all the plastic surgery procedures offered today. Through rhinoplasty, Manhattan facial plastic surgeon Jon Turk is able to transform the appearance of his patients while still achieving subtle, natural-looking results. Rhinoplasty allows patients who are dissatisfied with the shape, size, or other elements of their noses to achieve changes that range from subtle to dramatic, without ever compromising their facial essence. Manhattan rhinoplasty patients may choose to achieve a larger nose, a smaller nose, change the shape of the bridge of the nose, change the shape of the tip of the nose, alter the angle between the nose and the upper lip, remove bumps from the nose, or even to correct a birth defect.

Because the nose is the most prominent feature of the face, rhinoplasty can bring the facial features into harmony in a way that is not matched by any other cosmetic procedure. Because of this, many patients express experiencing a boost in self-confidence after undergoing rhinoplasty. Sadly, patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their noses often suffer from self-esteem issues. Fortunately, rhinoplasty can help restore the confidence of such patients. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, for any reason, and it is having a negative impact on your self-confidence or self-esteem, you may benefit from rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

While there are many benefits to undergoing rhinoplasty, it is a serious surgical procedure. Patients should fully understand the recovery process before undergoing surgery. As with any surgery, patients should expect to experience some amount of discomfort or pain following surgery. That being said, most patients find that the benefits of rhinoplasty surgery far outweigh any pain or discomfort experienced during the rhinoplasty recovery phase. While the recovery phase is unique to each individual patient, it typically lasts for one to six weeks. During your surgical consultation, we will go over post-operative instructions as well as provide you with a list of post-surgical instructions to follow. It is vital that our Manhattan rhinoplasty recovery patients diligently follow these instructions to help ensure optimal results, as well as an easier recovery phase.

You will not be able to drive yourself home after undergoing rhinoplasty surgery. Because you will likely feel groggy, nauseous, and discomfort immediately after surgery, we recommend that you have someone to help care for you for the first couple of days after your rhinoplasty procedure. You will likely feel groggy for the first one to two days after surgery. Early in the rhinoplasty recovery phase, patients should rest as much as possible.

It is vital that patients rest with their heads elevated for at least the first 24 hours after undergoing rhinoplasty. This will help reduce and minimize swelling that occurs after surgery. Patients should expect to experience discomfort, swelling, bleeding, achiness, and a dull headache for the first few days following their rhinoplasty. Pain medication will be prescribed to help minimize discomfort after surgery. Patients should also expect some bruising to occur as a result of surgery. While the appearance of bruising can be distressing to look at, it will begin to fade within a few days after surgery.

You will not be able to breathe through your nose for the first few days after undergoing rhinoplasty. It is also vital that you do not blow your nose during the entire rhinoplasty recovery phase. Nasal packing will most likely be used to help minimize bleeding and swelling after surgery. Any sutures and packing will be removed during your post-operative examination, which typically takes place seven to ten days after surgery.

Strenuous activity should be avoided for a minimum of two weeks after undergoing rhinoplasty. Patients should also refrain from wearing facial cosmetics for two weeks following surgery. Eyeglasses should not be worn for six weeks after surgery. If you cannot avoid wearing eyeglasses, we recommend that you wear a protective splint to help protect the nose from the pressure of the glasses. You do not want anything to jeopardize the results of your rhinoplasty, especially your eyeglasses. Most patients will feel up to returning to work within a week after undergoing rhinoplasty.