At the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh takes pride in helping rhinoplasty patients achieve a natural-looking nose that complements their cheeks, chin and other facial features. Dr. Azizzadeh is globally recognized for his facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck surgery expertise, and he uses his knowledge to provide each rhinoplasty patient with a custom treatment plan. In addition, Dr. Azizzadeh works closely with a rhinoplasty patient to ensure a smooth recovery after nose surgery.
What Should a Rhinoplasty Patient Expect During the Recovery Process?
The rhinoplasty healing process varies from patient to patient. Since each nose job patient heals at a different pace, it is important for the patient to establish realistic rhinoplasty recovery goals before surgery is performed. That way, a patient knows exactly what to expect throughout all stages of rhinoplasty surgery, including recovery.
Initially, the recovery process associated with rhinoplasty surgery takes about seven to 10 days to complete. During this period, a patient can experience swelling and bruising and is sometimes prescribed medication to help manage pain. The patient can also apply a cold compress to the nose; the compress should be used on an hourly basis for the first three days after nose surgery.
Most rhinoplasty patients start to feel more comfortable approximately three days following treatment. At this point, a rhinoplasty patient sometimes experiences minor discomfort, including headaches, dull aching and congestion.
Within about seven days of rhinoplasty surgery, a patient’s bandages or nose cast can be removed. The patient can then return to work, school or other everyday activities; in certain cases, rhinoplasty patients feel good enough to resume their normal activities before the removal of their bandages or nose cast as well.
A rhinoplasty patient should limit physical activity for approximately four weeks after surgery. As such, the patient should not bend the head forward for at least two weeks after surgery, engage in yoga or other heavy exercise for at least three weeks and perform heavy lifting for at least four weeks.
Generally, Dr. Azizzadeh provides a rhinoplasty patient with clearance to resume a regular workout regimen or other strenuous activities. Dr. Azizzadeh evaluates a nose surgery patient, and if he believes these activities won’t affect the recovery cycle, he then gives the patient the all-clear.
The majority of rhinoplasty patients report an 80% to 85% reduction in swelling at about six weeks following surgery. Primary healing after rhinoplasty occurs within a few months of a nose job, and the full results of nose surgery often become visible up to two years after treatment.
When it comes to rhinoplasty surgery recovery, Dr. Azizzadeh is comprehensive. Dr. Azizzadeh is Harvard-trained and possesses extensive industry experience, and he is available to respond to patients’ concerns and questions throughout rhinoplasty recovery. By providing rhinoplasty recovery guidance and tips, Dr. Azizzadeh enables his patients to enjoy a seamless recovery process.
Tips to Ensure a Smooth Recovery After Rhinoplasty Surgery
To ensure a smooth recovery after rhinoplasty surgery, preparing patients for what to expect is crucial, according to Dr. Inessa Fishman of Aviva Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Also, staying in contact with patients via phone calls and face-to-face visits is vital throughout rhinoplasty recovery, Fishman says. Since the rhinoplasty recovery process can impact a patient both emotionally and physically, Fishman notes, communication and support between the surgeon and patient is key to recovery.
Meanwhile, Dr. Paul D. Durand of Careaga Plastic Surgery in Coral Gables, Florida recognizes that rhinoplasty patients are often excited about the potential results of surgery. At the same time, these patients are frequently worried about the rhinoplasty recovery process, Durand notes. So, Durand provides his patients with seven tips to help them fully recover from rhinoplasty surgery:
- Request oral steroids that can help reduce post-surgery swelling and bruising.
- Use cold compresses or ice packs to help further reduce swelling and bruising.
- Keep the head elevated while sleeping for at least three days after surgery; Durand recommends sleeping in a recliner or with several pillows to ensure the head stays elevated as much as possible.
- Avoid any pain medications or supplements that can otherwise thin the blood and increase post-surgery swelling.
- Don’t blow the nose after surgery, since doing so increases the risk of bleeding.
- Use an over-the-counter nasal spray to keep the nose moist during the healing process.
- Find out if taping the nose can be beneficial; in some instances, taping the nose after a rhinoplasty patient’s splint is removed helps swelling resolve faster than ever before.
Dr. Nicholas Karter of Connecticut Facial Plastic Surgery in Farmington, Connecticut points out that patience plays a critical role in a patient’s recovery from rhinoplasty surgery, too. “Rhinoplasty can be a transformative procedure, but it is a process, and you won’t have your final result for a full year or more after surgery,” Karter stated.
Along with the aforementioned tips, Dr. Azizzadeh offers the following recommendations to help a rhinoplasty patient streamline the recovery process:
- Follow all instructions provided by Dr. Azizzadeh.
- Fill any prescriptions and pick up rhinoplasty recovery supplies before surgery is performed.
- Ensure a family member or friend is available to provide assistance for at least 24 hours after surgery.
- Schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Azizzadeh — and attend these appointments.
- Contact Dr. Azizzadeh to address any rhinoplasty recovery concerns and questions.
For individuals who are considering rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh is available to explain all aspects of treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh can meet with a patient and determine if this individual is a good candidate for rhinoplasty surgery or other facial rejuvenation procedures. Plus, Dr. Azizzadeh can provide a custom facial rejuvenation treatment plan to help a patient revitalize the facial appearance.
Dr. Azizzadeh offers a consultation to individuals who are pursuing rhinoplasty or other facial rejuvenation treatments. To schedule a facial rejuvenation treatment consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.