All cosmetic interventions leave certain effects around the operated area(s); the most noticeable ones are those performed on the face. That is why, it is important to get acquainted with different details of an envisioned intervention as the latter may be draining in terms of post-operative effects.
Rhinoplasty is a face surgery that reshapes the nose and corrects nasal dysfunctionalities and/or deformities like removing an unpleasant bump, reducing the size of the nostrils, refining the tip, or simply improving breathing problems.
It guarantees natural-looking results that are adapted to the patient’s facial architecture. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and generally results in moderate post-operative effects.
After a rhinoplasty, the patient will have a cast on their nose for a period of seven days or so. Once removed, the cast may leave bruises, which will dissipate after a few weeks. The final outcome of nose surgery will be visible after a few months.
Rhinoplasty: post-operative effects & precautions
The first week after rhinoplasty
Although a nose job is not particularly painful, the operated area is more likely to be sensitive for a few days after the surgery. The patient will experience breathing difficulties. For this reason, it is recommended not to blow your nose for fifteen days after the surgery. Other effects of the intervention include the loss of smell and taste. The latter is temporary and will be recovered after a few days.
The first night after your surgery, you are more likely to experience the unpleasant sensation of a blocked nose; and will be therefore obliged to breathe through your mouth. Swelling and bleeding are possible, but both will disappear in a few days. In order to prevent bleedings, you are highly recommended not to consume aspirin or aspirin-based medication.
Bruises are quite expected after a rhinoplasty ─especially around the under-eye area─ but it will fade away after two days.
The insertion of fibres depends on the technique of the surgeon in suturing the nasal incision. These fibres are generally removed starting from the fifth day after your surgery.
The second week after rhinoplasty
After a week, bruising and swelling start to dissipate.
The cast is removed by your surgeon at this moment in time. Once done, your nose will be swollen. It will regain its normal shape after a few days.
Special medication, that will be prescribed by your doctor, must be used three to four times a day in order to clean up the nose, wipe off crusts, and decongest the nasal mucosa. It is also recommended to clean your nose using seawater.
Finally, you are advised to take ten days off work to promote proper and quicker healing.
One month after rhinoplasty
A month after your rhinoplasty, wearing sunglasses will be still prohibited.
Post-surgical scarring is expected to turn red; scarring will take its definite form and colour after a year.
During the first three months after your rhinoplasty, you need to avoid overexposure to the sun. The latter may provoke nose swelling and darken your post-surgical scars. Sports and violent activities should be resumed after three months.
Remaining swelling after your surgery will take two to three months to completely dissipate. Final results will be noticeable around that period of time for most patients.