Your nose is a very delicate and refined structure. It has both a cosmetic and functional aspect, so it should look elegant and balanced with your facial features. Nowhere else in the body does so little mean so much.
As a result, rhinoplasty is considered a “surgery of millimeters”, and refining and reshaping a nose is a very detailed and specific operation.
What to Do: Rhinoplasty Aftercare
The nose is susceptible to injuries because of its central position on the face. Almost everyone has bumped their nose in the past. It can be due to a stray elbow from a child or a friend, or even getting a glass of water at night. Athletes, in particular, are prone to facial injuries. Some people instead have birth defects that affect the shape of their nose. These situations can be remedied with rhinoplasty.
Protecting your nose following surgery is as important as your recovery process. Thus, there are things you can do to protect your nose following a nasal surgery:
1. Don’t Take Ibuprofen or Aspirin
It is not advisable to take products that contain ibuprofen or aspirin for a week after your procedure. Doing so would result in excessive bleeding, which will ruin the final result of your rhinoplasty surgery.
If you’re experiencing pain, which is normal, take doctor-prescribed narcotics like Vicodin or Tylenol #3. You also have to blow your nose very carefully.
2. Wear Sunscreen
After a rhinoplasty, it’s important that you wear sunscreen on the face and nose for at least a year. Although UV lights are less likely to expose scars, you still need to take extra care. That’s because changes in your nasal structure make it susceptible to sun damage and discoloration.
Wearing a hat or using an umbrella can also help protect you from the sun.
3. Limit Physical Activities
This is an important fact that you should consider after having a rhinoplasty. Limit playing sports like basketball, volleyball, or anything where you’re likely to hit your nose. Otherwise, wear a facial mask to reduce the risk of facial injuries.
According to Sarah A Frommer, MD, Ph.D., “…face-guard use results in a 35% reduction in facial injuries compared with non-use.”
It is important for you to be conscious of your nose for three to six months after surgery. Avoiding strenuous activities that increase the risk of accidental trauma is very helpful for success.
As I mentioned in my previous post, it takes about six weeks before you can have an unrestricted activity following a rhinoplasty.
4. Clean Your Nose
5. Wear a Facial Mask
A facial mask can reduce the risk of facial injuries. It also supports the nose as it heals, making for a better shape. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the appropriate size for the mask.
Things Worth Noting
It will take 6 to 12 months for the nose to gain enough strength to withstand similar forces before a rhinoplasty. However, it will never be quite as strong as it was before an operation. Sleeping with your head raised above your neck will help minimize the chances of bruising your nose.
Keep in mind that prevention is well worth the cost to stay out of the operating room.
*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.