Recovering from rhinoplasty is a process, but following the right habits can support healing and help your results look their best. Whether you’re undergoing a subtle tip refinement or a complex functional correction, following the right post-op habits can significantly reduce swelling, minimize discomfort, and speed healing.
Below are Dr. Edward Gross’ top 10 tips for a comfortable, complication-free rhinoplasty recovery, based on over 25 years of experience helping patients heal confidently and safely.
1. Sleep With Your Head Elevated
Keep your head above heart level while sleeping for at least the first week. Use multiple pillows or sleep in a recliner to reduce swelling and pressure around the surgical site. This also helps prevent rolling onto your side while you rest. Learn more about sleeping after rhinoplasty in our related blog post.
2. Don’t Blow Your Nose
Resist the urge to blow your nose for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, longer if directed by your surgeon. Doing so can disrupt healing tissues or cause bleeding. Use saline spray as directed and gently dab if needed. Most congestion improves on its own as internal swelling subsides.
3. Use Cold Compresses (Carefully)
Apply cold compresses to your cheeks and under your eyes—not directly on the nose—during the first 48 hours. This helps control swelling and bruising. Avoid direct pressure on the nasal bridge or splint.
4. Limit Salt and Alcohol
High sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, which may worsen swelling. Keep salt intake low in the first few weeks. Avoid alcohol as well, which can thin your blood and interfere with medications.
5. Follow Your Post-Op Instructions Closely
Dr. Gross provides detailed rhinoplasty aftercare instructions customized to your procedure. These instructions include cleaning techniques, timelines for resuming activity, and how to manage discomfort. Following them closely is one of the best things you can do for your results.
6. Don’t Wear Glasses on the Nose
Avoid placing glasses or sunglasses on the nasal bridge for at least 6 weeks, unless otherwise directed. Dr. Gross offers access to RhinoShield®, a device that allows patients to wear glasses during recovery without putting pressure on healing cartilage.
7. Stick to Light Activity (at First)
Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first few weeks after surgery. Light walking is encouraged, but strenuous exercise should wait at least 2 weeks; contact sports should wait until cleared by Dr. Gross—typically 3 to 6 weeks post-op.
8. Avoid the Sun
Healing skin is especially sensitive to UV light. Sun exposure can lead to long-term pigmentation issues and can aggravate swelling. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen if you need to be outdoors—even briefly—and avoid excessive sun exposure for at least 6 months to prevent pigmentation issues.
9. Be Patient With the Process
Swelling—especially around the nasal tip—can take months to resolve fully. While you’ll see changes early on, true final results can take up to 12 months. Trust the process and attend all scheduled follow-ups so Dr. Gross can monitor your healing.
10. Use Approved Products for Swelling Control
Dr. Gross may recommend products like Nose Perfect®, a post-op tool that supports tip refinement and reduces swelling in patients with thicker skin. These tools can make a significant difference in the precision of your final results.
Planning Beyond Recovery
A smooth recovery is just one part of your rhinoplasty journey. If you’re considering cost or wondering whether your procedure may qualify for coverage, check out our guides on how to afford a nose job and insurance coverage for rhinoplasty.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Healing from rhinoplasty doesn’t need to be overwhelming—especially when you follow proven advice from a highly experienced facial plastic surgeon. From your first consultation through your final result, Dr. Gross and the team at Primera Plastic Surgery will guide your recovery every step of the way.
Call our Lake Mary office at (407) 333-3040 or request a consultation online to begin your rhinoplasty journey with confidence.
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