Rhinoplasty Recovery

Rhinoplasty Boca Raton: What to Expect During Your Nose Job Recovery

And what you can do to make your recovery go as quickly and comfortably as possible

While recovery from any surgery varies from person to person, the initial healing process that comes after a rhinoplasty procedure usually follows a fairly standard progression lasting roughly one to two weeks with some possible residual swelling persisting after that. Before your operation, Dr. Berman will provide you with comprehensive pre and post-surgery instructions. To schedule a consultation, call 561-417-0171. In the meantime, here is a brief rundown of the different rhinoplasty recoveryphases and a few quick tips that will help make your recuperation as pleasant as possible and ensure the quality of your results.

The Day of Surgery

After waking up from general anesthesia, you will feel a bit groggy but will be pleased to discover that you’re not, in fact, in any real pain. You may feel some slight discomfort due to the temporary swelling and bruising of the operated area, as well congestion associated with the protective nasal splint, and possibly nasal dressings, that have been put in place. You must have someone drive you home after the surgery and it is highly recommended you also have someone stay by your side for the first night and following day to tend to your needs. If you received nasal dressings, you will be given an appointment to see Dr. Berman the day after the surgery for them to be removed.  The most important things for you to do are rest and ICE, ICE, ICE your perinasal area.

First Week of Recovery

The initial few days of your recovery will be the worst as you may experience some nausea and the inability to breathe through your nose which often causes your throat to dry out and sleeping to become more difficult. Keeping your head elevated above your torso and icing the affected area will reduce swelling and nasal pressure. You will start to feel much better after your nasal packaging is removed either on post-operative day or one to two days after. At this point you should begin using saline nasal spray to keep blood from drying and forming an uncomfortable crust. Usually at the end of the first week your splint and any sutures you receive will also be removed allowing you your first glimpse at your freshly sculpted nose!

Second Week and Beyond

As the bruising and swelling subside, you can begin to return to your normal routine at about day 10 of your recovery, though you should avoid any particularly demanding physical tasks and contact sports for at least a few more weeks. The swelling and numbness at the tip of your nose will be the last to die down, but by the second or third week the only visible proof of your procedure should be a tiny suture line that will continue to fade from your marvelous new nose (if an open rhinoplasty is performed).

Other Rhinoplasty Options

If operative plastic surgery isn’t right for you or your schedule, Dr. Berman offers a non-surgical, injection rhinoplasty procedure. This comes with the added benefits of a shorter downtime and lower cost.

If you have had a previous nose job done and are unsatisfied with your nose’s functionality or aesthetics, revision rhinoplasty is one of Dr. Berman’s specialties.

If you are unhappy with the shape or functionality of your nose, rhinoplasty surgery can help you lead a more confident and comfortable life. Dr. Berman’s board certification in otolaryngology and 20-plus years of surgical experience make him the go-to nose specialist and nose surgeon in South Florida. Contact Dr. Berman’s office by calling 561-417-0171 today to schedule a consultation with him.