Knowing what to do—and what not to do—after rhinoplasty can make a big difference in how smoothly you heal and how your final result looks. Simple daily habits can help reduce swelling, protect your nose, and lower the risk of complications.
This guide outlines the most important do’s and don’ts, offering practical tips to make your rhinoplasty recovery more comfortable and predictable.
What To Do After Rhinoplasty
To support your rhinoplasty healing, you should focus on a few key priorities after surgery:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions exactly. Your written and verbal post-op instructions are tailored to your case. They always take priority over anything you read online.
- Keep your head elevated. Rest and sleep with extra pillows or in a recliner during the early days. Elevating your head and upper body helps limit swelling and pressure.
- Use cold compresses as directed. Cool compresses around the nose (but not directly on it) can help reduce swelling and bruising, especially in the first 48 to 72 hours.
- Take short walks. Walking around your home promotes circulation, reduces stiffness, and lowers the risk of blood clots without straining your nose.
- Keep incisions clean. Clean external incisions and the nostril area exactly as instructed, using any ointments or saline sprays your surgeon recommends.
- Take medications on schedule. Pain relievers, antibiotics (if prescribed), and saline sprays all play a role in your comfort and healing. Don’t skip or double up without checking with the office.
- Attend all follow-up appointments. These visits allow your surgeon to remove splints and sutures, check your progress, and answer questions about your rhinoplasty recovery as it unfolds.
What Not To Do After Rhinoplasty
Avoiding the wrong activities is just as important as committing to the right ones. In general, you should not:
- Exercise strenuously or lift heavy things. Anything that raises your heart rate or blood pressure too much can increase swelling and bleeding. Wait for your surgeon’s clearance before returning to the gym.
- Blow your nose or sneeze through your nose. In the early weeks, forceful pressure can disturb healing tissues. If you need to sneeze, try to sneeze with your mouth open.
- Bump or put pressure on your nose. Avoid contact sports, crowded events, and situations where your nose could be hit. Don’t rest glasses on the bridge of your nose until your surgeon says it’s safe.
- Bend or strain excessively. Repeatedly bending over, lifting heavy objects, or straining on the toilet can increase pressure in the face and nose.
- Smoke or vape. Nicotine significantly impairs blood flow and healing. Avoid smoking and vaping before and after surgery as instructed.
- Pick at incisions or remove crusts aggressively. Let scabs fall away naturally and follow your gentle cleaning routine. Picking can irritate the skin and increase the likelihood of scarring.
If you’re not sure whether an activity is safe, check with your surgeon or refer back to your written instructions.
How Can You Reduce Swelling and Discomfort?
You can reduce swelling and discomfort after rhinoplasty by focusing on good positioning, smart habits, and a calm mindset. Elevating your head while resting, using cold compresses as directed, staying well-hydrated, and limiting salty foods all help minimize fluid retention.
Mild discomfort or pressure is normal, especially in the first week, but you can usually manage it with medication. If you’d like to understand when symptoms are likely to peak and then ease, reviewing our rhinoplasty recovery day by day post can help you anticipate these patterns and feel more prepared.
What Is Normal During Recovery and When Should You Call Your Surgeon?
It’s normal to experience:
- Swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose
- A stiff or “blocked” feeling in the nose
- Numbness or tingling at the tip or upper lip
- Some asymmetry in swelling from one side to the other
You should contact your surgeon promptly if you notice any of the following, or seek immediate medical attention when appropriate:
- Heavy bleeding that soaks through dressings
- Sudden, severe pain not relieved by medication
- Spreading redness, warmth, or pus-like drainage
- Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
- Vision changes or a severe headache
When you know what is expected and what is not, it’s easier to stay calm about normal healing and act quickly if something seems wrong.
Practical Tips To Make Recovery Easier
A few small lifestyle tweaks can make your recovery much more comfortable:
- Prepare meals and snacks in advance so you’re not cooking when tired.
- Choose loose, button-up clothing so you don’t have to pull tops over your head.
- Set up a “recovery station” with water, lip balm, tissues, and entertainment within easy reach.
- Plan low-pressure social time and avoid big events in the first couple of weeks.
- Take progress photos periodically so you can see gradual improvements, even when daily changes are too subtle to notice.
As swelling and bruising fade, you’ll naturally feel more ready to return to normal routines. If you’re curious about when changes become noticeable, you can learn more about how long it takes to look “normal” after rhinoplasty in our related blog post.
By focusing on these do’s and don’ts—and staying in close contact with your surgical team—you give your nose the best chance to heal well and reveal its final result as smoothly as possible.
Get Started With Rhinoplasty
If you’re planning rhinoplasty or have questions about recovery, aftercare, or activity restrictions, request a consultation online or call Ford Plastic Surgery at (416) 925-7337. Your surgeon can provide personalized guidance to help you heal smoothly and protect your results.
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