Mistakes to Avoid After Rhinoplasty

Posted On January 13, 2023

Are you considering a rhinoplasty? Whether you are looking to reduce the length of your nose, add fullness to the bridge, refine the tip or change the angle between your nose and upper lip, rhinoplasty is a great way to create a more pleasant facial balance.

Rhinoplasty surgery can be very successful if done correctly but it could all be ruined if you don’t take proper measures during recovery. Many people have gone in with high hopes only to their disappointment when things turn out for the worse due to poor care after surgery.

Like everything else in life, mistakes depend on what we do afterward. In this article, I’m going to provide important tips on what not to do after having a rhinoplasty so that you enjoy maximum favorable results from your plastic surgery procedure.

Wearing Glasses

One of the mistakes you should avoid after rhinoplasty is wearing glasses. Whenever possible, try to refrain from wearing glasses for at least six weeks after your procedure. That’s because putting pressure on your nose can put too much strain on the delicate tissues that are still healing and could potentially disrupt the outcome of your surgery.

If you must wear glasses, make sure they fit properly and are well-balanced across the bridge of your nose. If they don’t fit snugly enough, then they can put excess pressure on the surgical site which could cause problems and have an adverse effect on your results.

Also, never sleep with your glasses on since this can also cause extra strain and irritation in your nasal area which might affect the healing process or even lead to sinus infections. Use a pair of safety goggles instead – these won’t place any unwanted pressure in that area, so it’s more gentle for your recovering tissues.

Resuming Your Exercise Routine

One mistake you’ll want to avoid after rhinoplasty is resuming your exercise routine too soon. A major part of the healing process involves allowing inflammation and swelling to subside, and exercise can make this much more difficult.

So how long should you wait before resuming your exercise routine? Generally speaking, it’s best to give yourself at least two weeks of rest before gradually reintroducing light physical activities. During this time, keep your head elevated when possible and avoid any type of strenuous activity. As you start exercising again, emphasize yoga or stretching classes. Avoid running, weightlifting, or anything else that will cause excessive strain on your face and nose area.

Most importantly, listen to what your body is telling you during these first few weeks. If something feels uncomfortable or painful, don’t push yourself! Rhinoplasty requires patience during the recovery period so be sure to take it slow and easy in order to get the best results.

Direct Sun Exposure

One big mistake to avoid after rhinoplasty surgery is exposing yourself to the sun. Even though you may be eager to get out there and show off your new look, you should resist the urge to go out into the sun and expose your nose to any potential ultraviolet damage.

UV exposure can cause serious damage over time that can alter the results of your rhinoplasty. Whether you’re inside or outside, it’s especially important that you protect your skin from direct exposure by wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when enjoying the outdoors.

You might also want to invest in a strong sunscreen designed specifically for facial use, with an SPF of 30 or higher, and re-apply every two hours if needed. Additionally, you’ll need to stay in the shade whenever possible. By avoiding any direct UV exposure, you can help ensure that all of your hard work will pay off with beautiful long-term results beyond just one season!

Lying Down Flat

One of the most important things to keep in mind after rhinoplasty is not to lie down flat when you’re resting. This can cause a huge amount of pressure that can actually undo some of the work done during your procedure. To maintain the structure of your new nose and support it while it heals, it’s better to sleep in an elevated position, propped up in bed at an angle, or with a few pillows behind your head. Doing this will reduce any potential swelling and prevent moving your nostrils out of place.

In addition, lying down flat increases the risk that you may develop congestion due to mucus buildup. If you have any issues with congestion already, then avoiding lying down flat can help alleviate this problem. Discuss this with your doctor for best practices for telling and defining when it’s safe for you to start laying down on your back again post-procedure.

Not Taking Care Of Your Health

Being careless about your health after Rhinoplasty is an absolute mistake to avoid! You will need plenty of rest following the surgery and need to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions regarding your recovery journey. After the initial healing period, you may be tempted to rush back into your regular routines. However, it is important that you take things slow and ensure you completely heal before overexerting yourself.

After surgery, your immune system will be weaker than usual and thus you must take precautions to prevent getting sick or catching a cold. This means avoiding large crowds for at least two weeks post-surgery, eating healthy meals regularly, and maintaining good hygiene habits (frequent hand washing, etc.). Make sure to drink plenty of fluids as well in order to keep your body hydrated which helps with recovery.

The bottom line when it comes to healing after rhinoplasty is to be patient. It takes time for the body to heal and the swelling to fully subside. Don’t go out in the sun, smoke, or jump into any new activities for at least four weeks after your procedure. Each of those activities will cause more trauma and stress on your nose which could lead to permanent scarring or discoloration.

It’s important to take time off from work and avoid strenuous activities like sports while you’re healing. You should also keep in mind that it can take up to 12 months for all of the swellings to completely subside and for your results to be appreciated. So don’t rush things; give yourself plenty of time and take care of yourself so that you can enjoy the end result!