Rhinoplasty Recovery: Planning Your Return to Regular Activities
- Posted on: Dec 30 2024
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is one of the most popular facial surgeries year after year. It’s easy to understand why: Reshaping your nose to complement your face can improve both your appearance and self-confidence.
At David Altamira, MD, the plastic surgery practice of leading board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Altamira, each rhinoplasty is unique to the patient. Dr. Altamira is a hands-on surgeon who creates personalized recovery plans to help patients recover comfortably and return to regular activities quickly.
Today’s blog covers rhinoplasty recovery: What to expect and how to time your return to regular activities.
What to Expect During Rhinoplasty Recovery
After your rhinoplasty, it’s normal to experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort around your nose and under your eyes. You may experience bleeding and fluid drainage in the first week. Dr. Altamira may place a splint on the bridge of your nose for about a week post-surgery. He prescribes medication to help keep you comfortable, but many patients say the discomfort was far less than they had expected.
The swelling steadily decreases over the one to two weeks post-surgery. Most patients look normal and can enjoy the visual results of their rhinoplasty only a week or two post-procedure. Although it’s common to have some mild swelling for as long as a year, it’s only noticeable to you.
Tips for Returning to Your Regular Routine
Planning your return to daily activities can help you avoid setbacks and recover smoothly. Some general guidelines for activity levels include:
- After Week 1: Most people can return to work in a week or so. However, if you have a physically strenuous job, it takes longer. Dr. Altamira generally gives the go-ahead for light activities (up to a quarter of your usual activities) after a week. But you still need to avoid strenuous activity. Avoid putting any pressure on your healing face.
- After Week 3: At this point, Dr. Altamira often allows patients to resume up to half of their usual activities. This generally includes more intense exercise.
- After Week 4: Most patients return to three-quarters of their usual activities after a month.
- After Week 6: Most patients resume full activities by this point.
These are just general guidelines. Dr. Altamira recommends a specific return to activity geared to your lifestyle and adapted for your level of swelling.
Listening to your body and following Dr. Altamira’s recommendations will ensure the best possible recovery.
Rhinoplasty in Houston and Sugar Land, TX
You can see real patient rhinoplasty results in our photo gallery. Feeling inspired and ready to reshape your nose?
Call Dr. David Altamira at 713-271-9000 to schedule a consultation in Houston or Sugar Land, TX.
Posted in: Rhinoplasty
