Post Operative Rhinoplasty Instructions
Dr. Philip Miller, a plastic surgeon in New York, NY, prides himself on giving patients comprehensive care, both before and after their procedures. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common forms of plastic surgery for both medical and aesthetic purposes. To ensure you experience the best results, this rhinoplasty guide will walk you through what to expect and how to care for yourself after surgery. Our team will discuss these instructions with you after your surgery and make sure you have everything you need. We look forward to sharing your journey and guiding you through the care and healing process.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER RHINOPLASTY SURGERY
Although rhinoplasty is a straightforward procedure, we recommend having another adult with you on the day of your procedure to take you home and care for you after you’ve successfully completed surgery. You should also plan to have someone stay with you the first night in case you experience any discomfort or serious side effects. Although it is rare, if you experience any serious discomfort or unusual symptoms, be sure to seek immediate medical attention.
For the first few days after your surgery, it is important to avoid touching or jarring your nose. Keep your head elevated at all times (even when you’re sleeping) the first night. We recommend sleeping in a comfortable reclining chair or propped up in bed to aid the healing process. To alleviate any discomfort and reduce natural swelling around your nose and eyes, use cool compresses during the first 48 hours after surgery. Gently drape a washcloth soaked in cold water across each of your eyes in twenty-minute intervals. You may switch out the cloths as often as needed to keep the area cool and comfortable. After the first few days, you will begin to see and feel great improvement.
While every risk after rhinoplasty surgery cannot be eliminated, there are some things you can do to minimize certain risks:
1.) Protect Your New Nose: Be Careful
Your new nose after a rhinoplasty surgery will be in a protective cast for the first week. It goes without saying that once the cast is removed, you should take great care to guard your nose against any trauma or impact.
2.) Sleep With Your Head Elevated
In the first few days after your nose job, try to keep your head slightly elevated and avoid contact with your pillow or other objects.
3.) Avoid Strenuous Activity
It takes 3-6 weeks to fully recover from a nose job. Even when you’re feeling better during this time, you should avoid strenuous activity or anything that presents a risk to your new nose after a rhinoplasty surgery.
MAINTENANCE AND DAILY CARE
Daily care and maintenance are simple and straightforward. Your nurse will review these steps with you after surgery, and our team is available in person or over the phone to answer any questions that arise throughout your journey.
Check out the video below as New York surgeon Dr. Philip Miller explains the proper post-operative care after a Rhinoplasty.
For Week 1:
For Weeks 2-3:
1. Use a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide to gently clean the suture lines inside your nose three times a day. After cleaning the stitches, coat the area with Vaseline to keep the skin supple. The stitches inside your nose will dissolve on their own as your skin heals.
2. When bathing and showering, be sure to keep the tape and splint on your nose dry. We recommend baths as opposed to showers. You can take a shower on your second day after surgery provided that you keep the area dry. Avoid getting water or bath products on the skin near your nose as it may irritate the surgery site. Only use gentle shampoos and cleansers for the first few weeks after surgery.
3. You may experience some minor bleeding or seepage around your sutures as the skin heals. However, if bleeding persists more than ten minutes, or if it is accompanied by fever, severe pain, swelling or infection, be sure to contact our team immediately.
4. We will bring you back to the office to remove any external stitches seven days after surgery. If you do not have external stitches, we will let you know when we need to see you again to remove the tape and split supporting your nose.
5. After the tape and splint are removed, be gentle with your nose for the next few weeks. Be sure to wash your face twice a day with mild soap to reduce the natural build-up of dust, oil and dirt on your skin.
For Weeks 2-6:
WHAT POST-SURGERY SYMPTOMS ARE NORMAL?
Don’t worry, some side effects are completely normal following surgery. This does not mean anything is wrong, but be mindful of your symptoms. Discuss any changes with our team or call if your side effects seem abnormal. These are the types of mild side effects you may expect after surgery:
Swelling - Most swelling should subside after two to three weeks, but it may take up to three months for swelling to completely dissipate. In the first few days, swelling may increase and your nose may still appear swollen after your splint is removed. Don’t be alarmed, this is all part of the healing process.
Discoloration - Discoloration and bruising may appear around the surgery site. Some patients will experience light, yellow bruises while others may see deep blue and red marks. This will vary by person, but should not be accompanied by extreme pain.
Numbness - As your nose heals, you may experience numbness, tingling or mild discomfort and itching.
Bleeding - Bleeding may occur from time to time, but it should stop quickly. Apply light pressure near the bleeding and wait. If bleeding lasts longer than 10-15 minutes, please contact our office.
Depression - Some patients feel a mild depression or disappointment after cosmetic surgery while swelling is going down and the healing process is taking place. It may take two to three months for your nose to fully heal, so be patient with yourself and your body during that time.
Eye Glasses - If you wear glasses, talk to your nurse about how to protect your nose from changing shape due to the pressure of the glasses. You may wear your glasses while your nose is still splinted, but they should be supported or suspended from your forehead or cheeks for six weeks after the splint is removed. Contact lenses are typically safe to wear two weeks after surgery. Your nurse can discuss options with you to ensure your vision is not impaired during this time.
RESTRICTIONS
For the first two weeks, avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity, pulling clothing over the face, blowing and rubbing your nose, or any large facial gestures (such as yawning or vigorous chewing). You should also use a baby toothbrush on your upper teeth for the first two weeks after surgery. Try to avoid driving, contact sports, and swimming. To learn more about rhinoplasty, visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
IN SUMMARY
Healing varies from person to person, but is often a mild and quick process. No matter what your experience is like, our team is here for you every step of the way. All visible healing should be completed after four to six weeks, but you may still experience changes throughout the first year after surgery. We’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Miller today to schedule your rhinoplasty in New York.
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Facial Plastic Surgery
Dr. Philip Miller and his team of New York's top rated facial plastic surgery experts provide custom cosmetic treatment plans that include a combination of minimally-invasive techniques and advanced procedures, to help each patient achieve the Aesthetic Confidence® they desire. Our unique NatraFace™ approach to facial rejuvenation includes the following effective procedures:
Eyelid Plastic Surgery
Dr. Miller provides patients with Manhattan's #1 customized care and treatment for smooth, supple skin that brightens the eyes and revitalizes the face. With our NatraFace™ approach, we utilize a combination of effective aesthetic techniques tailored to suit each patient’s needs. We offer:
Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)
Dr. Miller and his staff of NYC's best aesthetic specialists offer the NatraNose® process, which is a comprehensive range of minimally-invasive and advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking rhinoplasty results, improve nasal function, and meet the patient’s aesthetic goals. Dr. Miller specializes in nose jobs, nose reductions, non-surgical nose jobs, and more: Adjust the links in these sections as follows:
Skin Care Treatments
Widely acclaimed for our broad range of flawless skincare solutions, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS and his team of aesthetic specialists offer customized skincare treatment plans to achieve healthy, natural-looking results. As part of our NatraLook™ process, the following procedures may be performed individually or in combination with more advanced surgical treatments for optimal rejuvenation.
Male Plastic Surgery
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience working with male and female patients. He specializes in facial plastic surgery and is recognized as an expert in facial rejuvenation procedures. Utilizing the most advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Miller can maintain or enhance masculine features while producing the most natural-looking results.
Aesthetic Confidence®
The Plastic Surgery Podcast with Dr. Philip Miller
Tune into The Plastic Surgery Podcast, hosted by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller. Dr. Miller is here to answer your questions, de-mystify plastic surgery, and help you feel more knowledgeable and empowered about any procedure performed at our center.
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Episode 44: My First Time
8 min -
Episode 43: Top 10 Reasons Not To Get A Rhinoplasty ( Plastic Surgery)
20 min -
Episode 42 : Osteomas & Lipomas
11 min -
Episode 41: All Ears Considered!
8 min -
Episode 40: Infrared Light Therapy
6 min -
Episode 39: Beauty, the Plateau
6 min -
Episode 38: Botox and Dermal Fillers
3 min -
Episode 37: Cost of Rhinoplasty
1 min -
Episode 36: Different Types of Nasal Surgeries
3 min -
Episode 35: Do You Have to Break the Nose for Rhinoplasty?
2 min -
Episode 34: Do You Have to Stay Overnight After Having a Rhinoplasty?
2 min -
Episode 33: Don't Have a Rhinoplasty!
2 min -
Episode 32: Endonasal or External
1 min -
Episode 31: Are You a Candidate?
2 min -
Episode 30: In The Office
17 min -
Episode 29: Can My Nose be Made Smaller?
4 min -
Episode 28: Can't Breath Through Nose
3 min -
Episode 27: Chin Implants - Mentoplasty
2 min -
Episode 26: Columellar Struts
23 sec -
Episode 25: Common Terms
5 min -
Episode 24: Connection Between Facial Resurfacing and Tattooing
5 min -
Episode 23: The Sooner, The Better?
4 min
Plastic Surgery w/ Dr. Miller
If you’re thinking about getting a lift, nip, or tuck, this app is for you. It’s the most comprehensive pocket encyclopedia of plastic surgery terms, before and after photos, and visualization tools to help you really know what to expect from a procedure, including seeing potential results on your own photo. This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.
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