What to Expect Following Rhinoplasty
Serving Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, & Palos Verdes, California
Rhinoplasty, or nose job, is a type of plastic surgery that most often successfully meets the reasonable expectations your surgeon predicted prior to the surgery. Still, it is important for you understand what to expect following rhinoplasty and to have some patience as your results take place.
How You'll Look and Feel
- The first 24 hours after surgery - You will stay in bed with your head elevated and experience some pain and puffiness. You may also have a dull headache with swelling and bruising around your eyes, which usually subsides within two weeks. The pain medication prescribed by your surgeon should alleviate any pain. Also, plan on staying in bed with your head elevated for the entire first day.
- The first week after surgery - Your nose may remain congested because of swelling or from cotton packed inside your nose during surgery. Bandages will typically stay on for up to seven days after your surgery. Dr. Bray may also use a splint or plaster cast to protect and support your nose. This also usually stays for about one week.
- The second week after surgery - By the second week following your surgery, splints or casts, bandages, and any stitches should be removed. You will likely be able to go back to doing any type of non-physical work without too much difficulty, but it could be several weeks before you feel completely on top of things.
- A few weeks after surgery - For up to three weeks after nasal surgery, you will likely experience swelling, numbness, or bruising discoloration of your eyelids. In rare occasions, it may last up to six months. The more subtle swelling may be present for up to a year.
Follow-up visits will be scheduled in the months after surgery. It is important to track the progress of your healing. If you believe something you are experiencing is not normal or if you have questions, inform Dr. Bray.
Special Things To Note
Feel free to wear you contact lenses, but regular glasses cannot rest on your nose. The only options are to prop them on your cheeks or tape them to your forehead until your nose is healed, which may take six or seven weeks.
Decrease the chances of bleeding, more intense swelling or other complications by following precautions for several weeks after surgery.
- Sleep with your head elevated higher than your chest
- Avoid activities such as aerobics, swimming and jogging
- Do not bend at your waist unless you also bend your knees
- Do not lift or carry anything that is heavier than 20 pounds
It is common to feel unhappy for a while after plastic surgery, especially immediately after when your face bruised and swollen.
The healing process is gradual and requires patience on your part. Sometimes the final results of the surgery aren't visible for several months to a year. During this time, remind yourself of the reasons you decided to have your surgery. It will be a great help to get through the short-term downsides and into your long-term happiness.
Dr. David Bray can personally take you through the steps of rhinoplasty and what to expect following the procedure. To learn more about this or any of the other cosmetic and surgical procedures we offer, please contact Bray Plastic Surgery today to schedule your initial consultation. We serve the Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, and Palos Verdes, California area.
