What Not to Do After Rhinoplasty

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty improves the appearance or function of the nose. Since the nose is one of the dominant facial features, many people feel self-conscious about their noses’ shape, size, or symmetry. Rhinoplasty can help give you the results you want by reshaping the structure of the nose. While you will need some time to recover after your procedure, following aftercare instructions can help you heal and get back to your daily routine more quickly. 

What Not to Do After Rhinoplasty

You will want to avoid doing anything that could stress or put pressure on your nose while it heals. Activities that can cause damage to your nose or slow your healing include:

Laying on Your Back

Dr. Holley recommends resting and sleeping with your head elevated above your heart. Laying flat on your back causes more blood flow to your face. This can make your swelling worse and possibly cause bleeding. 

Blowing Your Nose

Blowing your nose can disrupt the healing process. Do everything you can to avoid getting a cold or flu that would give you a stuffy nose. Dr. Holley will clear you to resume this when you have healed well enough. 

Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking restricts normal blood flow, so your healing tissues cannot get the blood supply they need. You will need to stop smoking before and after your procedure. Alcohol can inhibit recovery by thinning your blood and putting you at risk of bleeding. 

Sun Exposure

Exposure to the sun can cause your healing incisions to darken and develop uneven pigmentation. You can avoid this by avoiding sun exposure and wearing dermatologist-approved sunscreen. 

Putting on Makeup

You will want to avoid putting anything on your face that could irritate or cause an infection while you heal. Avoid makeup until Dr. Holley gives his approval.