Choosing the right surgeon for your rhinoplasty in Newport Beach will help you get the best results. But you must also follow the post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal outcomes. The total recovery time for this procedure is two to four weeks. You should avoid certain activities until you have fully healed from the procedure. However, you may be surprised by the number of things that you can do after rhinoplasty.
What Should You Do to Promote Healing?
Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure. Because you’ll be recovering at home, your Newport Beach plastic surgeons will provide you with detailed instructions for the post-operative period.
The main activity that you should do after surgery is rest. Take at least a week off of work so that you can relax, sleep well, reduce stress and encourage your body to heal. While you’re resting, make sure that you keep your head elevated.
Most patients prefer to use a few pillows to prop their upper body while they sleep. This reduces post-surgery congestion and diminishes swelling. It’s important to sleep on your back to reduce pressure on your nose as it heals.
Use cold compresses to reduce pain and swelling as you heal. Although applying ice to the cast area won’t do much good, you can put the cold packs on your eyes and cheeks for 20 minutes at a time. Wait 20 minutes before reapplying the cold compress.
What Should You Avoid After Rhinoplasty in Newport Beach CA?
Although you will likely experience discomfort at first, you should feel like yourself within a week or two. Don’t participate in strenuous activities or sports that can put you at risk of injury. Your surgeon will tell you when you’re cleared to do certain movements and exercises.
Some of the other things to avoid after rhinoplasty in Newport Beach CA include:
- Sleeping on your side – Even if your head is elevated, doing this can put uneven pressure on your nose and impact the final results.
- Bend, lift or strain – Avoid activities that increase the pressure in your face and head for at least three weeks.
- Blowing your nose – Blowing your nose can hurt and disrupt your incisions. Try to avoid putting yourself in situations that make your nose run, such as eating spicy foods or exposing yourself to allergens.
- Kiss anyone – You can injure your nose if an adult, child or pet bumps into it while it’s healing.
- Wear glasses – Ask your doctor how to make accommodations for your vision if you require glasses to see properly.
- Smoke or drink alcohol – These substances affect your blood flow and impede healing.
As long as you follow your surgeon’s instructions, your post-operative period should go smoothly. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our Newport Beach plastic surgeons team today.