Recovering From Rhinoplasty Surgery

Apr 30, 2019 | 2. Blog, Face Surgery, Rhinoplasty

So you’ve done your research and secured the CosMediTour Rhinoplasty Surgeon best suited to you. Our Plastic Surgeons are some of the most experienced Rhinoplasty Surgeons in the world and specialise in numerous Rhinoplasty techniques to ensure the best results possible are achieved. Firstly, Open Rhinoplasty is major surgery, and it is important to ensure you are not only physically, but also mentally fit for surgery, as travelling overseas for surgery can be an overwhelming process if not adequately prepared.

During your consultation with your Plastic Surgeon, you will have a trained CosMediTour Liaison with you for support. It is important to discuss your expectations and aftercare plans with both these people present. It is helpful to make a list of questions in advance to ask your Surgeon (always write your Surgeon’s answers down, as it can be overwhelming and you may forget the answers). Keep in mind the consultation will focus on your surgery, what changes you can expect and other factors to be considered after the procedure.

Open Rhinoplasty surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete, with a one-night hospital stay required for general monitoring purposes. Most clients report pain and discomfort subsiding within 72 hours of the surgery. After this, you can expect more of a feeling of pressure and congestion. Your CosMediTour Plastic Surgeon will prescribe pain medication post-surgery, this is to make you comfortable, although it will not completely remove all pain.

Post-Rhinoplasty surgery, you can expect moderate swelling and bruising. It will be at its worst 48 hours post-surgery and will slowly begin to lessen after this time passes. Generally, initial swelling and bruising will take between 7-14 days to completely subside. Remember, results are rarely visible overnight and everyone’s anatomy is unique, therefore results will vary over the recovery period (12 months on average). If you are having surgery in Bangkok, a Laser Shower at Intelli Health Plus Clinic is a great tool to assist in minimising swelling and bruising and help to minimise scar tissue formation.

For the first few days post-surgery, you may have bloody nasal discharge,  feel congested, stuffy, or suffer a nasal cavity blockage. Do not worry, this is normal and this is when your nose rinses, cleaning with the liquid saline solution (your CosMediTour Surgeon will prescribe) and mouth breathing will help your recovery process. It is very important to avoid blowing your nose until you are told it is safe, as this can affect your surgery results and wound healing. Depending on your Surgeon, your aftercare plan may differ. Some of our Surgeons aftercare plan may include moulding, pressing or taping the nose post Rhinoplasty surgery, whereas others may not. Medical materials such as dressings, packing, gauze, splints and/ or tape may be used to help the initial healing of your nose (both inside and/or outside). These materials play a very important role with aftercare and ensuring your new nose shape is supported for the best possible healing and surgery outcome.

Within the first 8 weeks post-surgery, you should start to notice a gradual change in the shape of your nose. Although, in most cases, it can take up to 12 months and with more complex cases or if you have a thicker skin envelope, 24 months, to see the final results. Please note, it is important to remember that the final shape of your new nose will only be apparent after it has fully healed and all swelling has settled completely, you will need to wait and be patient. Other important post-surgery care for Rhinoplasty includes, not wearing glasses (contact lenses can be worn instead) and sleeping on your back for the first 4-6 weeks to ensure no unnecessary pressure or contact is placed on your nose.

With all surgeries, Rhinoplasty included, you must stop smoking, drinking alcohol and taking certain medications and vitamins up to 4 weeks pre-surgery and 4 weeks post-surgery, as these can have adverse effects on your recovery. You can normally return to work within 10-14 days post-surgery if your job is strenuous, ensure to discuss this with your Surgeon or your Client Manager. Also, avoid all strenuous activity that can elevate your heart rate, excess sun exposure, overly spicy foods, for minimum 6-8 weeks post-surgery. 

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Disclaimer: Please note any information provided should be used only as an information guide and not CosMediTour giving advice. Do your own valid surgery research and seek advice from a general practitioner to enable you to be fully informed about surgery. CosMediTour Surgery Terms & Conditions apply.

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