The healing time after a rhinoplasty is one of the most crucial components to ensure that your new nose looks as expected. Still, many patients are apprehensive about getting a nose job because they don’t have much time to heal before returning to work, school, or in between their exercise regimen. The following is a list of 10 easy steps to follow in order to accelerate your recovery and to get you back on your feet.
- Sleep & Rest
During sleep, your body’s natural healing capacities are put to work. You will be putting your body and mind at ease and reducing post-surgery stress especially present in a NJ lifestyle. I recommend that my patients get a full night’s sleep (7-9 hours a night) for at least the first few weeks following their nose job.
- Elevate your head.
To maximize comfort and to guide proper blood circulation to your nose and body, sleep with 2-3 pillows under your head at all times.
- Take vitamins such as Arnica and bromelain.
Vitamins are a natural stimulant to your recovery and have effects that even some prescribed medications do not. Specifically, both Arnica and bromelain can reduce bruising and swelling during the healing process.
- Take your antibiotics and pain medications.
It is imperative that you keep to a regular medication schedule so that your body can normalize accordingly. Your prescribed pain medications are an effective way to deal with post-surgery discomfort. However, you should only take them if needed as they can cause nausea and constipation.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
I cannot stress enough the importance of drinking water and hydrating during this time. Drinking fluids will flush out the toxins in your body, cleaning away the bad and leaving only the good.
- Do not smoke.
Nicotine in any form can lead to poor scarring and wound healing problems when used in combination with surgery. As a result, you must abstain from nicotine, including second hand smoke, for at least 1 month before and after surgery.
- Do not touch your face.
Avoiding contact with your face will prevent accidental scratching, bumping, or any other interference.
- Do not take aspirin or drink alcohol for at least one week prior to and after your surgery.
Both alcohol and aspirin can lead to bleeding. Alcohol can also lead to accidental injury to the nose therefore these two substances should be avoided.
- Do not engage in strenuous exercise for at least three weeks.
Exercise, weight lifting, and lifting heavy objects can cause strain on your new nose and can cause bleeding. Contact sports must be avoided for even longer.
- Avoid salt.
Sodium can make swelling worse. Stay away from salty foods as much as possible and try to limit your daily intake to about 1500 mg or less.
I am happy to answer any remaining questions about how to speed up your healing time. I encourage all patients, even if they do not live in the tri-state area, to reach out by email or call 201-488-3422.
Written by Dr. Morin
Thursday, November 13th, 2014
