Rhinoplasty surgery is a common procedure that is used for both cosmetic reasons and for medical purposes. Individuals who would like to change the look of their nose or who have medical issues such as difficulty breathing often opt for rhinoplasty surgery. It is important to understand the nose surgery recovery process if you are scheduled for a procedure. This will help you to plan your post-surgery schedule accordingly. Once the surgery is complete, your surgeon will place a splint made of plastic or plaster to the external area of your nose. This ensures that the newly shaped nose area is maintained after surgery. In addition, a nasal pack or a soft plastic splint will be inserted within the nostrils in order to stabilize the septum. According to Dr. Melvin Dassinger of the University of Tennessee, splints should be worn for 1-2 weeks after surgery while the nasal pack (or soft plastic splint) can be removed within 3-5 days. During recovery from nose surgery, it is common for some swelling and bruising around the eyes to occur for a few days post surgery. Rhinoplasty surgeons recommend that patients apply a cold compress while keeping their head raised in order to reduce swelling and bruising. In most cases, recovery after nose surgery is quick. Most patients are able to return to work or other low-impact daily activities within just a few days after the procedure. However, complete recovery can take a few weeks. Dassinger recommends that patients avoid high-impact, strenuous exercises for 2-3 weeks after surgery, exposure to sun for the first 2 months, and to take care whenever washing the face during the weeks following the procedure. It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor after rhinoplasty surgery so that you can be sure to avoid complications and can be certain that the recovery process goes as smoothly as possible.
