Nasal Exercises Following Rhinoplasty Surgery

Patients who have undergone rhinoplasty (nose job) surgery are almost certainly eager to show off their new look to friends and family. They are told to expect a certain amount of bruising and swelling following the procedure and that it may take several months for the nose to settle into its final shape.

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Dr. Vincent Marin performs rhinoplasty to correct issues or enhance the shape of the noses to patients in San Diego and La Jolla.

Rhinoplasty in San Diego

However, in some instances, there is also a series of simple exercises patients can do following surgery to help the nose settle into its proper shape even sooner. Personally, I always provide my patients with simple, clear instructions for performing these nasal exercises.

When Are Nasal Exercises Necessary?

In most cases, the bones around the nose will fuse back together in the desired contour and shape. A nasal cast is used for the first 5 – 7 days to properly position the bones into the desired location as they heal.

However, in some cases, the nasal bones must be broken to correct for a large hump deformity or a crooked nose. The nasal bones are more likely to shift following this type of procedure due to swelling. In such cases, I recommend exercises to gently manipulate the nasal bones back into the desired position to heal in the correct shape.

Nasal Exercises

Using the thumbs’ pad, patients should push on the side of the nose toward the center. It is essential to only do this on the upper third of the nose, where the bones are located. Patients should not push down on the top of the bridge but only apply pressure from the side. Pushing on the bridge may further shift the nasal bones, making them heal in the wrong position.

In some cases, patients may be instructed to pressure the nasal bones from both sides at once or push on one side harder than the other. I follow up with patients every two to three weeks if the nasal exercises need to be adjusted.

Pressure should be applied until there is at least a moderate degree of pain. Press against the nose for approximately one minute. This should be done anywhere from 20 – 30 times a day and 6 – 8 weeks after the nasal cast is removed. After that point, the nasal bones should have healed into their final position, and the nose should have the proper shape and contour.

Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos

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Benefits of Nasal Exercises

I see to it that patients are happy with their new nose. A large part of this is collaborating with the patient on goals and options before the surgery. Another part involves nasal exercises to increase the chances of patients getting the desired outcome that they want.

Patients have invested so much time and effort into improving their looks by deciding to undergo rhinoplasty surgery that it just makes sense to go the extra step to get the most out of that investment.

*The content in this blog is developed to spread the awareness towards plastic surgery. Our blog is not intended to serve as a replacement for an actual in-office consultation with Dr. Marin. As such, the information within this blog reflects the unique cases of our individual patients.