During the postoperative period following a rhinoplasty, a series of precautions are recommended to help ensure a faster recovery and, above all, to prevent complications caused by incorrect actions.
At Clínica Planas, we have always placed great importance on informing our patients about the measures they should follow during their recovery after rhinoplasty.
At present, these measures also include actions related to COVID-19 safety protocols.
Whether you are starting from scratch in terms of information, or you are already familiar with what rhinoplasty involves and have come to this article to clarify specific doubts about what the postoperative period is like and how it is managed, in both cases we believe it is worthwhile to take a moment to explain what rhinoplasty is and how recovery is approached.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is an aesthetic surgical procedure focused on correcting nasal deformities. It is based on adapting the shape, changing the size, and improving the appearance of the patient’s nose so that it harmonizes with the rest of the face.
In rhinoplasty, the external structure of the nose is addressed.
When the issue lies in the nasal septum and the aesthetic goal is replaced by a functional one, we refer to septoplasty.
In this case, the external appearance of the nose is not altered, as the procedure is performed internally, specifically through the nasal cavities.
What is the postoperative period like after rhinoplasty?
First of all, we would like to highlight what Dr. Jorge Planas explains:
“The postoperative period after ultrasonic rhinoplasty is not painful at all. In fact, in most cases, painkillers are not required. There may be slight discomfort, but in the majority of patients, it is barely noticeable.”
In this sense, we can confidently say that the postoperative recovery after ultrasonic rhinoplasty is generally very comfortable and not painful.
Some patients may experience a headache on the day of surgery and mild nasal discharge the following day. This gradually decreases over the next few days and usually does not pose a problem during recovery.
Bruising may also appear, but it typically resolves within a week.
One week after surgery, patients are scheduled to return to the clinic to remove the thermoplastic protective splint placed after the operation. At this stage, there may still be some residual swelling, but visible bruising is usually no longer present.
Postoperative recommendations after rhinoplasty
Below are some of the key recommendations we give our patients:
Keep the head elevated
We recommend keeping the head elevated—always above heart level—to reduce blood pressure in the head area.
This simple measure helps speed up the reabsorption of edema (fluid in the tissues), meaning swelling will last only a few days.
Apply local cold therapy
Applying cold locally over the splint during the first three days is highly recommended. The anti-inflammatory effect of cold is especially powerful during the first 48 hours after surgery.
Its effect can even be more effective than medication. Cold should be applied over the splint and the lower eyelids, as this area has very thin skin and is more prone to swelling.
Nasal rinses
From the third or fourth postoperative day, patients can begin nasal rinses using a seawater spray.
Limit physical exercise
For one month, we recommend avoiding sports or intense physical activity that may increase blood pressure. Short, gentle walks are allowed, as long as they do not involve significant physical effort.
Avoid impact sports
For at least three weeks, impact sports should be avoided, as they may transmit force to the treated area and cause unwanted movement.
Avoid sun exposure
Sun exposure should be avoided until bruising has completely disappeared, as exposure could cause skin pigmentation in bruised areas.
Using a sunscreen with adequate protection is usually sufficient once exposure resumes.
Avoid wearing glasses
We recommend not wearing glasses for at least one month, as resting them on the nasal bones could cause displacement. After one month, the bones are consolidated, and glasses can be worn safely again.
Sneeze with your mouth open
If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open to reduce intranasal pressure.
Be careful with face masks
Special care should be taken with face masks during the postoperative period. Even during the first week, it is acceptable for the mask to rest on the nasal bridge, but pressure on the nasal tip must be avoided. Masks tend to slide downward and may exert pressure on the tip, which could have undesirable effects.
It is important to remember that during the first three months after rhinoplasty, the treated area is still healing. Therefore, any external pressure—such as from a mask—should be avoided to allow proper healing and positioning.
Massage and taping when needed
In some cases, postoperative massages are recommended, usually starting around the second week.
Taping may also be used to help redistribute edema and guide swelling toward the nasal tip, where projection is desired.
Attend all scheduled postoperative visits
Although it may seem obvious, attending follow-up appointments is essential. Postoperative care does not end with removing the splint or stitches; ongoing evaluation is often required and varies from patient to patient.
During these visits, the surgeon may recommend massages or taping in specific areas to further refine the nasal definition.
At Clínica Planas, we perform ultrasonic rhinoplasty, a fully customized procedure—not only in the preoperative phase, where it is tailored to facial harmony and anatomy, but also after surgery, ensuring that all the planning and work carried out result in the best possible outcome.
Would you like to learn more about how we perform ultrasonic rhinoplasty at our clinic? Click on the link to find out more.
