What You Need To Know About Rhinoplasty Recovery Time

Your nose is a fragile and prominent area on your face, so you want to make sure you heal properly after your rhinoplasty. Our patients have many questions about the recovery process and when they can get back to their usual daily activities. We will discuss what to expect during rhinoplasty recovery and what you should and shouldn’t do as you heal.

How Soon Will I Recover After My Rhinoplasty?

You will need a minimum of 1 week to recover at home after your rhinoplasty, wearing a cast that must stay dry. You can expect to experience some discomfort and bruising for the first week to 10 days. Your cast will be removed at the end of your first week after surgery.

It will take 1 year to 18 months for residual swelling and all internal healing to completely resolve so you can fully see your results.

Can I Shower After My Rhinoplasty?

Yes, you can shower 1 day after surgery. However, you must avoid getting your cast wet for that 1 week it’s on. Shower from the neck down during this time, and gently cleanse your face around the cast with a washcloth. Your Patient Care Coordinator will advise you to clean your incision and nostrils with sterile saline and Q-tips 3 times a day for optimal healing and then apply gentamicin antibiotic ointment to the incision after each cleaning.

Read this previous blog for even more rhinoplasty recovery tips.

Is It OK To Use a Cold Compress On My Face After the Surgery?

Placing a cold compress on your eyes and forehead during the first 48 hours after surgery can significantly help with swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Don’t put the cold compress directly on your cast. Expect your nose to be swollen for several weeks after the procedure.

How Soon Can I Exercise After Rhinoplasty?

You should avoid all strenuous exercise and activity for 2 weeks after the procedure. Rushing into intense workouts too soon can elevate your blood pressure, cause irritation, swelling, and discomfort, and increase the risk of nose bleeds. Take the recommended time to rest and engage in only light movement for the best results. Taking slow walks during your recovery will help with the recovery process. You may slowly start building back up to your regular activity and exercise after the 2 weeks, reaching a normal routine at about 1 month.

When Can I Wear Makeup After Rhinoplasty?

You can wear makeup on your nose after your cast is removed, avoiding the incision line. Be gentle when touching your nose and the area around your nose, and use products that won’t irritate your skin.

Can I Go Out in the Sun After Rhinoplasty?

It’s best to avoid direct sun exposure for 1 month minimum after your rhinoplasty. This will give your nose time to heal and prevent the skin around the surgical site from getting irritated or discolored. After the first month, minimize sun exposure for up to 6 months until your incision heals completely. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen to your face, especially the incision line, anytime you go outdoors to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Our best tip when navigating your rhinoplasty recovery is to follow all your Post-Op Care instructions. This will ensure you enjoy a smoothing recovery process and long-lasting results, just like our patients in this before-and-after gallery. To see if you are ready for rhinoplasty, request a consultation or call us at (407) 333-3040 to schedule an appointment.

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