Rhinoplasty also popularly referred to as “nose job,” is performed to change the shape of the nose or to improve breathing. It offers dramatic results by altering the nose structure’s shape, size, and/or proportion to achieve functional or aesthetic goals. 

During Rhinoplasty procedure, the nose structure is changed by aligning or removing the nasal region’s cartilage, skin, or bone structure. It’s important to consult thoroughly with your surgeon before the Rhinoplasty surgery to clear any doubts about your expectations, Rhinoplasty aftercare, and things not to do after Rhinoplasty for faster and hassle-free recovery.

This article will cover the fundamentals of what not to do after the Rhinoplasty procedure and understand the essentials of post Rhinoplasty care. It would ensure you’re equipped with all the information you need to prevent complications after a Rhinoplasty and enjoy faster recovery.

However, before we get into things not to do after Rhinoplasty, let us answer another important question –

What To Expect After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery takes around 2-3 hours, and in most cases, the patients are allowed to head home after the surgery.

The Rhinoplasty procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Patients with health issues will have clearance from their primary care doctor, which helps prepare for the best possible patient’s response to surgery.

The surgeon would prescribe several medications (often over the counter) as part of the Rhinoplasty aftercare routine to alleviate any discomfort and prevent swelling, infection, or discomfort  around the nasal region. These medications are also meant to help improve healing process.

The doctor would provide a list of instructions to follow as a part of the post Rhinoplasty care routine to ensure the recovery happens without any complications.

Some of the common instructions and things patients need to follow after a Rhinoplasty include:

• Resting with head in a position higher than the chest. It reduces the chances of swelling bleeding and alleviates discomfort.
• Expect to experience nasal congestion for a few days after a Rhinoplasty. It is primarily due to the nasal region’s swelling and the splints installed inside the nose for Rhinoplasty surgery.
• The doctor needs to remove the splint inside the nose and the internal dressing after a week following the Rhinoplasty surgery. Make sure to make a follow-up appointment, if not already.

Now, let us delve deeper into –

Things Not To Do After Rhinoplasty Surgery

Avoid Strenuous Activities

Avoid any forms of physically strenuous activities after the Rhinoplasty.

It includes going to the gym, performing rigorous workouts, aerobic exercises, high-intensity exercises, lifting heavy weights, intense physical movements, and just any form of physical activity that exerts pressure on your body. This is to be followed for at least two weeks after the Rhinoplasty.

Similarly, swimming should be avoided till around 4 weeks following the Rhinoplasty procedure. The splint or cast placed inside the nose must remain dry until removed. Avoid any form of contact sports, such as basketball, volleyball, etc.

The idea is to allow your nose to recover without any additional stress on the nasal region that can negatively influence the recovery process.

Sexual Activity

Sexual activities should be limited for the first few weeks following the Rhinoplasty surgery. Applying pressure to the nose after Rhinoplasty is a big “No.”

Any form of physical activity that would risk injuring the nose, including sexual activities, should be avoided. However, it doesn’t mean you need to sit idle all day as light walking in and around the house is always a good idea to avoid blood clot formation.

Blowing Your Nose

It’s needless to say that you feel the urge to blow your nose during cold, cough, and flu. However, during and after Rhinoplasty, it is essential to stay sanitized, wash your hands regularly and stay away from people who are ill. Carry a sanitizer around to kill the germs immediately after contact and avoid infection.

Remember, applying pressure to the nose after Rhinoplasty is strictly prohibited, at least for a few weeks. Take preventive measures in your environment to stay safe and avoid catching a cold, cough, or flu.

Avoid wetting the nose in a Shower

The nasal region and the cast installed inside the nose need to remain dry till removed by the doctor a week after a Rhinoplasty. Using a shower can hinder this.

You can wash the rest of your body in a bath or shower. It is important to keep in mind that the nasal area remains humidified by applying saline (ocean) sprays to the nostrils throughout the recovery process.

Wearing Glasses

One of the things not to do after Rhinoplasty includes wearing glasses. If you wear glasses, arrange for contact lenses before the Rhinoplasty surgery. As glasses rest on the nose’s bridge, they can put pressure on your nose, impacting recovery. It is one of the essential points of post Rhinoplasty care you should prepare for in advance.

Exposure To Sunlight

It’s natural to feel like getting out and catching a little sun after a Rhinoplasty. However, avoid temptation and stay indoors, away from sunlight for a while. The nasal region is sensitive post Rhinoplasty and needs to recover fully before being exposed to sunlight like before.

Too much exposure to sunlight during the recovery process may lead to discoloration, infection, and other unwanted complications. You may use sunscreen or some other patch over the nasal region or wear a hat outdoors to protect the nose from sunlight.

Smoking or Alcohol Consumption

Rhinoplasty aftercare routine includes avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol. These are considered dangerous activities that may impact the recovery process negatively, delaying the healing process.

Smoking restricts blood flow, and alcohol is known to interfere with the activities of prescribed medicines during the recovery process, which may lead to excessive bleeding, infection, and more. Stay away from smoking and consuming alcohol for at least 3 to 4 weeks after the Rhinoplasty.

Touching the Nose

You might be curious about your nose structure post-Rhinoplasty and may be tempted to touch, poke, or push it. Refrain from doing so at all costs.

One of the most common questions patients have for Rhinoplasty aftercare includes – Can I touch my nose three weeks after Rhinoplasty? Well, the answer is yes, you may touch but very softly and sensitively, only if required.

Avoid touching until your surgeon certifies that the goal of Rhinoplasty has been achieved and that the nasal region has fully recovered.

Any unwanted touch, push, or poking can misalign the cartilage or bone and even undo the positive results. Keep the nasal region protected from any external threats, including your temptation to touch.

For this reason, it is also suggested to avoid using makeup for a month post Rhinoplasty as it would inevitably lead to touching the nasal region, causing unwanted complications.

Conclusion

These are the few pointers that comprehensively answer what not to do after Rhinoplasty. It is recommended that you rest and sleep a lot for the first few days after Rhinoplasty surgery. It accelerates the healing process without hindrance, ensuring faster recovery.

Expect some redness, bruising, and swelling around the nasal region where the cast is installed or where the surgery has taken place. You might even feel a little discomfort or pain but contact your cosmetic surgeon immediately if any of these symptoms worsen or become unbearable.

As one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures performed these days, rest assured there isn’t much to worry about if you follow the surgeon’s Rhinoplasty aftercare instructions.

It is a great procedure to uplift your facial appearance or get rid of nasal or breathing issues that have been impacting your quality of life.