cindysimply

**This is NOT medical advice. I’m just sharing what I was told to do and what I am doing after my rhinoplasty 🙂

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New nose, who dis?? Rhinoplasty is a major surgery that requires careful aftercare to ensure optimal healing and results. During the recovery period, it’s super important that you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions thoroughly!

In this post, I’ll discuss some of the things you should avoid after your rhinoplasty surgery to ensure a speedy recovery and beautiful results. Of course, this is NOT medical advice. Please keep in mind that this is just what my surgeon told me. Always ask your surgeon and follow their instructions first!!

1. Blowing your nose

Do not blow your nose for the first few weeks after rhinoplasty surgery!! Blowing your nose can cause pressure that can lead to bleeding and delay the healing process. I know how uncomfy this can be but try gently wiping your nose with a tissue or using a saline spray to keep your nasal passages clean. I’m currently 3.5 weeks post op and I always carry a ziploc of qtips or tissues in my purse because you never know when your nose will start dripping in public lolol cute right?

2. Touching or rubbing your nose

It’s crucial to avoid touching or rubbing your nose after rhinoplasty surgery, as it can cause damage to the delicate tissue and increase the risk of infection!! For me, I cleaned using qtips, saline spray, and antibiotic cream. Honestly, qtips have been my absolute best friends during this rhinoplasty journey. I’ve used so many boxes already lol. My cleaning instructions did change depending on how far post op I was, so if you need to clean your nose or change the dressing, be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully.

3. Strenuous activities

Strenuous activities like running, lifting weights, or any physical activity that increases your heart rate can increase your blood pressure, leading to swelling and bleeding. It’s best to avoid these activities for the first few weeks after surgery and gradually return to your normal routine as your surgeon advises. I’m currently 3.5 weeks post op so I currently am just walking for my exercise hahaha. I miss my jump roping and running days but I will hold off as long as I need to because I do not want to risk excessive swelling.

4. Exposure to sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause discoloration and affect the healing process, so it’s essential to avoid it for the first few weeks after surgery. Wear a hat or stay in the shade when you’re outside to protect your nose. I’ve been extra careful to make sure I do not get direct sunlight on my new nose! I just got a treadmill walking pad to get my steps in while avoiding direct sunlight on super sunny days.

5. Smoking

Smoking can delay the healing process, increase the risk of infection, and cause breathing difficulties. It’s best to avoid smoking for several weeks before and after surgery to ensure optimal healing and results.

6. Drinking alcohol

Drinking alcohol can increase swelling and interfere with the healing process. Another patient who got her nose done by my surgeon told me that she thought it would be no big deal to dream alcohol a month after her rhinoplasty and boy, was she wrong. She said she woke up to her nose being the biggest it’s ever been. In her words: “a potato”. My surgeon told me to avoid alcohol for 2 months at least!!

7. Wearing glasses

Wearing glasses can put pressure on the nose and cause dents on your new beautiful nose. My surgeon told me to avoid glasses for 6 months. No fun sunglasses this summer for me I guess.. If you need to wear glasses, try one of these glasses holder headbands, or use contacts instead!

8. Sleeping on your stomach

Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your nose, increase swelling, and cause the nose to heal improperly. Ugh, this was definitely a tough one for me because I absolutely LOVED sleeping on my stomach. Surprisingly though, it wasn’t too difficult transitioning into sleeping on my back. Try this inflatable travel pillow to keep your head secure. I’m still using the inflatable travel pillow every night I sleep and it’s soooo comfy lol.

9. Saunas or steam rooms

This was another difficult one for me to come to terms with, but when it comes to my new nose, I will do what I have to lol. My surgeon told me to avoid saunas and steam rooms for 6 months after my rhinoplasty.

In conclusion, following your surgeon’s instructions carefully after rhinoplasty surgery is essential to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. I will be avoiding these activities listed above to help achieve the best results possible! Remember to always follow your surgeon’s specific aftercare instructions, as they know best 🙂