If you have trouble breathing through your nose, or are not satisfied with the size and shape of your nose, rhinoplasty could be for you. Rhinoplasty, or a “nose job”, is a plastic surgery procedure that reshapes the nose. The goal of rhinoplasty is to improve the appearance of the nose, and in some cases, to improve breathing.
What To Expect During Rhinoplasty
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and typically takes about two hours. There are several different techniques that can be used during rhinoplasty, depending on the desired result, so the exact surgical approach will depend on your individual case. After surgery, you will likely experience swelling and bruising around the nose. Most people take about two weeks to recover from rhinoplasty surgery. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least four weeks after surgery. The goal of this procedure involves facilitating better breathing as well as improving appearance. Additionally, this procedure might include removal of the nasal hump, reshaping of the nose tip, or resizing of the nostrils. It can also include modifying the nose’s overall size and projection.
Tips For A Better Faster Recovery
If you are considering rhinoplasty, it is important to know what to expect in terms of the recovery process. The good news is that most people experience a relatively fast and easy recovery. Here are some tips to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible: avoid anti-inflammatory medications, use cold compresses frequently, take it easy for the first seven days and most importantly follow your doctor’s instructions.
The swelling that often results from rhinoplasty can take several weeks to dissipate. Swelling may persist for up to six weeks or longer. Furthermore, residual swelling may remain in certain areas such as around the tip of the nose for several months.
To help reduce and speed up recovery time, use cold compresses frequently in the days following rhinoplasty surgery. Applying a cold compress every few hours helps to reduce swelling. It does this by encouraging blood flow to the area which can speed up healing. Additionally, taking anti-inflammatory medication should be avoided as much as possible during this time since it can interfere with healing by increasing inflammation.
Takeaways
It is important to remember that recovery is different for everyone, so while some patients may experience only minimal swelling that goes away quickly, others may find their face is swollen and bruised for several weeks after the surgery. As long as you follow your doctor’s instructions and take it easy in the week immediately following surgery, you should experience a safe and successful recovery process with lasting results.