04 Apr 2025
A rhinoplasty or nose job is an incredibly powerful procedure to improve both the shape and function of your nose. It does, however, require downtime for your body to heal. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, I have spent a considerable portion of my career perfecting my rhinoplasty procedures. I offer my Boston area patients the full range of nose job options from the Ultrasonic Piezo Rhinoplasty to the Ethnic Rhinoplasty for both men and women. One of the key tenants to the exemplary result that we both want is making certain that you know exactly what to expect in terms of your recovery. While swelling is one of the body’s natural healing responses, no one wants more of it in the nose than absolutely necessary. Here are 3 tips to help reduce post rhinoplasty swelling.
Follow Rhinoplasty Post-Op Instructions
One of the best things you can do to minimize your rhinoplasty swelling is to follow my post op instructions to the letter. You have invested a lot of time and money to get the size and shape nose that you desire so don’t give up in the home stretch, and do too much, too soon. In general, I want my rhinoplasty patients to:
- Drink plenty of water
- Apply cold compresses to the cheeks
- No strenuous exercise
- Follow a low sodium diet
- Stay out of the sun
- Do not blow your nose
None of these things are particularly difficult, but some are annoying. Sleeping with your head elevated for at least the first few days after surgery may seem challenging, but it is critical for reducing swelling and speeding up your recovery. The other thing that patients struggle with is not blowing their nose because you are going to want to — but refrain. It can irritate the surgical site which is something that we do not want.
Plan Ahead for Rhinoplasty in Boston
During your nose job consultation, I will spend considerable time discussing your lifestyle in order to help you plan ahead. For example, if you have young children at home or a dog that needs walking, you are not going to be able to lean over and pick up a toddler, or take a pup for a trot. So, I want to make certain that you understand the post-op help that you may need such as:
- Housekeeper
- Child care
- Dog walker or pet sitter
- Food delivery
This is a good time for naps, catching up on your Netflix queue and reading that book that everyone’s been talking about, but you could never find the time. Now you have it.
Why No Strenuous Exercise Post Rhinoplasty?
Exercise is one of the best things that you can do for your health. It increases blood flow, makes your heart pump harder and keeps your muscles fit. But that increased blood flow may also increase swelling in the nose. So until I tell you otherwise, no heavy lifting and no strenuous aerobic workout. An easy walk to keep everything loose is ok, but by easy, I mean that I do not want you to break a sweat. You must give your body all the support that it needs to heal properly. And after an intense surgical procedure like a nose job, this means taking it super easy. It may be annoying, but keep in mind that reducing any post-op swelling will lessen your overall recovery time so that you can start showing off your new nose sooner.
To find out more about an Ultrasonic Piezo Rhinoplasty, Ethnic Rhinoplasty, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Akshay Sanan at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
