It’s no secret that rhinoplasty surgery can be a life-changing procedure. From improving self-confidence and self-esteem to more breathing room and relief from sinus problems and allergies, the reasons for having this type of surgery can be many. However, just like any other surgical procedure, there are things that we need to do to keep our results looking as natural as possible. This blog will cover the things you can do to help maintain your nose after rhinoplasty surgery.
Table of Contents
1. Avoiding Anti Inflammatory Medication
It should be no surprise to anyone that after having surgery, the skin will be swollen and bruised. This can lead to tissue damage and stretch marks. Because of this, it’s important to avoid applying any anti-inflammatory medication for a week or two. Without being able to tell your surgeon what kind of topical medication you’re using, it may lead to uneven healing and stretching of your nose.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
While this type of advice is common in any plastic surgery setting, it is especially true after rhinoplasty surgery. The nose is made up of many layers of skin and cartilage. Without proper hydration, you can cause your nose to swell and the lines will not look as crisp as they did when the swelling was in check.
3. Protect Your Skin From Direct Sunlight
It doesn’t matter if it’s winter and you aren’t directly exposed to the sun. You can still get a sunburn. For the same reason you need to protect your skin when going outside in the spring or summer, it’s crucial to protect your nose while going out into the sun in the wintertime. Your rhinoplasty results will last far longer if you avoid exposing your skin directly to any sunlight.
4. Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
While you might be feeling like you can’t wait to get back to your regular daily routine, you must be careful when returning to work or school. The amount of stress we are under can slow down the results of our rhinoplasty. While it is important to make sure the people in your life understand why you may need some extra time, it’s also important that you take care of yourself and allow yourself plenty of sleep and rest.
5. Don’t Smoke
Smoking affects not only the appearance of your skin but also the appearance of your nose. Smoking damages the blood supply to the skin and can lead to a nose that looks ashy or grey. Not only that, but it can weaken the cartilage in your nose, which will lead to more trouble breathing.
6. Take a Bath Instead of a Shower
While it is normal to be nervous when returning to work or school after surgery, it’s also important that you make sure you’re cleaning yourself thoroughly. Taking a bath is the best alternative to showering or scrubbing your face with a washcloth. Not only does this help you to clean away dirt and bacteria, but it can also help prevent the skin from getting irritated. It’s amazing how much dirt and bacteria can accumulate on your forehead, cheeks and chin while you are recovering at home.
7. Eat Healthy Food
While it’s normal to feel a little hungry after surgery, you need to make sure you include healthy food in your diet. There are many ways to make yourself feel better, but there is no need for junk food. This will only lead to a weakened immune system and more breakouts and infections. Although you should be eating as normally as possible, try to include more vegetable-based foods such as green vegetables, fruit, and turkey.
8. Do not Blow Your Nose
Since your nose will be swollen, blowing your nose is going to be painful and can cause additional damage and stretching. You must use saline spray or a bulb syringe to help clear the nasal passages without resting any weight on the inside of your nose.
9. Salty Intake Should Be Avoided
Loss of taste and smell after rhinoplasty surgery is a very common problem. This is because when you have a lot of swelling in your nose, you also have lots of tissues being stretched and torn. You may not be able to taste food well or smell items properly. If this is the case, try to make sure you eat small amounts of salty foods such as popcorn, salty chips and ice cream.
10. Take a Walk
With all the activities you have been doing since surgery, you might feel like you want to give up and go back to bed. However, this is not the best idea. You must make sure that you get some fresh air and make sure to take a walk around your neighborhood or through your local mall. The fresh air will help clear your lungs, remove mucus from your nasal passages and help give you a boost of energy. If you feel like you’re not up to taking a walk by yourself, try to get some exercise with a friend.
11. Avoid Wearing Hats or Headwear
We’re all too familiar with the signs of a cold, but many other conditions can cause the same symptoms, such as allergies and sinus problems. If you have an allergy, you must avoid wearing hats or anything else that will cover your face. This will make it easier for you to identify any other symptoms that you may have. If you have an infection, you must avoid wearing tight headwear.
12. Avoid Nail Polish
It’s easy to want to cover up the bandage and the bruising on the tip of your nose, but before you paint over it, consider all the things that can go wrong. Your nails get damaged by the fumes from nail polish or by a chemical reaction from nail polish remover. It’s also possible for chemicals to get absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin, making you feel very sick.
Conclusion
If you follow these tips, you will be able to maintain the results of your rhinoplasty for many years to come. By making sure that you are well hydrated, eating healthy food and getting plenty of rest, you will avoid any unnecessary complications and make your recovery much easier.
Read also: Rhinoplasty: What You Should Know