READY FOR A CONSULTATION?
Recovering from surgery on your own at home is a different experience for every rhinoplasty patient, depending not only on the extent of their unique procedure, but also for their home experience in general. To help maximize your body’s natural healing process to help recover more quickly and safely, here are some tips on what to do and avoid during rhinoplasty recovery.
Activity Following Rhinoplasty Surgery
The prevailing rule of thumb during any recovery is to rest when you feel tired. Especially in the first few days after surgery, you will likely feel quite fatigued as your body handles the initial healing. Listen to your body and get plenty of sleep, while balancing regular minimal activity like walking.
Getting up every once in a while is good for your recovery because it encourages good circulation and helps keep your muscles active. Don’t do too strenuous an activity, however, as Dr. Newman will require you to avoid exercising for two or three weeks.
You’ll be instructed to sleep and rest with your head elevated, perhaps by using several pillows or buying a specific wedge pillow, and won’t be allowed to bend over for about a week. You should also not blow your nose or rub your nose for several weeks. Most people feel good enough to return to office work after a week of downtime.
What to Eat After Rhinoplasty
There’s no specific restrictions or requirements for your diet following surgery, but it’s important to eat a nutritious, balanced diet to provide your body with all the essential nutrients and energy it needs to heal. It may be beneficial for people experiencing constipation or other bowel movement irregularities to take a daily fiber supplement to help reduce the need to strain, which is not recommended after surgery.
Medications For Rhinoplasty Patients
Any and all medications recommended or required by Dr. Newman should be filled and administered as prescribed. If you are not prescribed pain medicine, ask Dr. Newman before if it’s okay to take over-the-counter medicine, and which type is best for you. Make sure to take the full course of antibiotics if prescribed even if you feel better before the course of treatment is over.
Caring For Incisions
After a rhinoplasty, there may be an incision across your columella, the tissue between your nostrils, or just incisions on the interior of your nose. Depending on your unique surgical plan, you should wash any visible incisions with a mild soap and dry it gently about twice a day once the stitches are removed. Dr. Newman will instruct you on how to care for any splints, packing, or surgical tape that may be present.
Rhinoplasty in St. Petersburg, FL
Nasal surgery can be a life-changing procedure both in terms of the look and projection of the nose as well as its function. People suffering from difficulty breathing through their nose or who simply want to have a more proportional, attractive nose can easily find the personalized care they deserve with Dr. Christopher Newman’s approach to rhinoplasty. Learn more and find out how a rhinoplasty can help you achieve facial harmony by calling our office or contacting us online today.