Rhinoplasty (Nasal Plastic Surgery) After The Surgery

After surgery, especially during the first twenty-four hours, your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated for the first day. You will notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better.

Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks.Minor bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. The surgeon will ask you not to blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal. After 7 to 10 days, all dressings and stitches will be removed. Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or work a week following  surgery.

Dr. Tavoussi will give you specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities, but generally you should avoid strenuous activities for two to three weeks. You should also avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics. Day by day, your nose will begin to look better and your spirits will improve. Even though  it will take months for the final results to emerge, you will be able to enjoy your new look a  week or two after surgery.

You should also keep in mind right after surgery:

• It is very important not to become nauseated after surgery and/or vomit. To prevent  this take medicine as you directed by Dr.Tavoussi.
• If you are tired, rest. Discomfort during recovery is often a sign of overexertion.
• Rest and sleep in a reclined position at approximately 45 degrees. Use ice packs,  frozen finely broken up peas or corn constantly or at least the first 3 days, 15 minutes on 15 minutes off. Do not put ice directly onto skin because you will have decreased sensitivity.
• First post-op day you may shower with cool water, gently wash your hair, apply  generous amounts of both shampoo and conditioner. Gently wash the entire face with soap and water. Do not try to remove all blood with the first washing.
• Avoid direct exposure of incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks, apply sunscreen(at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.
• Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least 1 week. You ma take Tylenol or pain medication as prescribed.
• Do not put any ointments or creams on incision lines unless instructed by Dr.    Tavoussi.

Post surgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor if you notify us. Call us if you experience any of the following: a temperature of 101 or higher, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, legs swelling,calf pain or if you feel that anything might be wrong. You can call us anytime you need our help or consultation with Dr. Tavoussi regarding your surgery or post-op consideration.Our staff will be happy to help you as we are committed to your healthy condition after surgery.

Just give us a call using our “Contact Us”contact page or using our “Call Me Now” page.