Rhinoplasty Recovery: In 2019, 207,284 Americans had rhinoplasty. This surgical procedure focuses on reshaping the nose and is the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the country.
People opt for Beverly Hills rhinoplasty for numerous reasons, ranging from better sleep and easier breathing to improving their appearance. And, at Lahar Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Nicholas Lahar combines technical proficiency with an artistic eye to create beautiful and natural-looking results.
You can expect some swelling and bruising after having rhinoplasty, and you’ll need to devote two or three weeks to recovery. While it’s important not to rush things, Dr. Lahar also recommends taking these steps to support a speedy recovery.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Video
Tips for Rhinoplasty Recovery
Ditch the anti-inflammatory drugs for Rhinoplasty Recovery
Discuss pain management with Dr. Lahar and take only the medication he recommends. It may seem wise to take anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen after surgery. But these drugs hinder your blood vessels’ ability to relax, increasing your chances of swelling and bleeding, which prolong your healing time.
Grab the frozen peas
For the first three days after your surgery, it’s essential to put a bag of frozen peas on your eyes and cheek area, where most of the bruising and swelling occurs. Applying frozen peas causes your blood vessels to constrict, which reduces swelling. The more you can control your swelling, the quicker your nose will heal.
Take a walk
While it’s crucial to avoid strenuous exercise, you should still go for a light walk as soon as possible. Walking increases circulation in your body and keeps fluids moving, both of which support a fast recovery.
Take it easy — for a while
Healing takes time. If you find yourself always on the go and following a jam-packed schedule, you should mentally prepare to take it easy for the first 7-10 days after rhinoplasty recovery. Remember, even if you feel great, playing sports or engaging in vigorous exercise puts extra stress on your body. Plus, they increase your chances of bumping your nose, both of which can set back your recovery.
Eat a nutritious diet
Your mom was right: You are what you eat! In fact, there’s a link between nutrition and recovery time from operations. For example, not consuming enough zinc can slow your healing. However, eating foods packed with an array of vital nutrients supports a quick recovery. Dr. Lahar can make suggestions to help you take the right steps with your diet.
Follow your doctor’s orders
Dr. Lahar will provide detailed post-operative instructions. These aren’t optional; you should follow them to the letter. Dr. Lahar gives these directions for a reason, and ignoring them increases your risk of complications, which can cost you recovery time.
Don’t rush back to work
Some people think they won’t need to take the recommended two weeks off work for your rhinoplasty recovery. However, it’s essential not to underestimate the time you’ll need to heal. Instead, plan to take 10 days off from your job at the very least to recover. Remember, trying to go back to work too soon can do more harm than good and prolong your recovery.
Skip the spicy food
The first three weeks are the most critical to your rhinoplasty recovery. Any irritation to your nasal passages or nose could cause unwanted complications that can extend the healing time. That’s why Dr. Lahar urges you to avoid spicy foods during this time frame. This also includes spices like chili powder, which can irritate the sinuses and make swelling worse.
Watch the salt
Salt increases fluid retention, aggravating swelling while you heal. Fortunately, you can minimize your swelling by following a low-sodium diet for the first two weeks after your surgery. Instead, focus on eating lean protein, nutritious fruits and vegetables, and high-fiber foods. All of these options are naturally low in sodium.
Go to your follow-up appointments For Rhinoplasty Recovery
Post-operative appointments allow Dr. Lahar to monitor your recovery. Even if you’re feeling great and experiencing a speedy recovery, you should still go to your scheduled post-operative appointments. When you skip these follow-ups, it could mean missing a chance to spot a problem, and that sets back your recovery.
Dr. Lahar is devoted to providing the highest standard of care from your very first consultation through your recovery. To find out how Dr. Lahar can improve the appearance or function of your nose, call our Beverly Hills office at 310-403-3514 or book online today.
