Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
How Much Time Does It Take to Recover From Rhinoplasty?
From start to finish, recovery from rhinoplasty generally requires a year for the full, final results. It’s very important to stay healthy and vigilant about protecting your nose during this period, most important in the first six weeks after the procedure. No two patients heal in the exact same way, but there are some basic guidelines about what to expect.
What’s Happens over the First Weeks and Following Months?
Weeks 1 and 2: Within the first week of recovery, you will have an appointment or two with Dr. Zuliani to remove any splints or stitches that may have been placed. Don’t be too alarmed about any slight bruising in the eye area. Normal activity may resume as long as it doesn’t include pressure to the face, prolonged exposure to the sun, vigorous exercise, or heavy lifting. Most of your acute swelling and bruising should go down in the second week, however, it’s important to keep in mind that some swelling can remain for some time. The thicker your skin, the longer your swelling will last.
Weeks 3 to 6: Exercise and heavy lifting can resume at the six-week mark. You may also proceed to tan your face and wear sunglasses/glasses again at this point in the healing process. Do be sure to wear sunscreen!
3 to 6 months, and 1 year: It’ll be anywhere between three to six months before the normal feeling returns to your nose with no residual numbness. After a year, you shouldn’t notice any side effects of the rhinoplasty. Complete healing can take up to a year.
What Do You Need to Do and Avoid During Recovery From Rhinoplasty?
Stay mindful while managing your rhinoplasty recovery. There are a few dos and don’ts to follow in order to heal properly. Remembering these tips makes all the difference.
Schedule Regular Follow-Up Appointments as Instructed
Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions given to you by Dr. Zuliani. This begins by booking post-op appointments to assess your progress. Regular visits result in better, more evidence-driven advice. These appointments help you to understand which side effects to expect.
Avoid Pressure on Your Nose
From week one to up to week six, you absolutely need to keep your head up in the elevated position. This allows for proper fluid drainage and reduces swelling. It also means that your head will need to be elevated while sleeping. Any cold compresses used during the healing process should be placed on your cheeks not your nose.
Take Extra Care of Yourself
Practicing self-care through a good, nutritious diet speeds along the rhinoplasty recovery process. Include foods with vitamins C and D to help your body heal. Be sure to eat meals with plenty of proteins and calcium. The idea is to reduce swelling from within as well as on the surface.
You’re also not allowed to blow your nose for the first few weeks after rhinoplasty. Even a slight bump or scratch of the nose can cause damage during recovery. Make sure to keep your nostrils moisturized with a saline spray once or twice a day, according to Dr. Zuliani’s instructions.
Rhinoplasty in Bloomfield Hills, MI
To get a better understanding of what’s required for healthy rhinoplasty recovery, don’t hesitate to contact us. Learn more and find out if a rhinoplasty can help achieve your aesthetic or medical goals during a consultation with double board-certified Dr. Giancarlo Zuliani. Start the conversation about nose surgery by calling our office or contacting us online today.
