Rhinoplasty Recovery

All surgeries carry a certain degree of risk. This goes for medically necessary ones as well as surgeries that are elective or cosmetic in nature. Yeah though that is the case, Santa Barbara plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas Mackenzie always strives to ensure optimal care to each of his patients, minimizing risks and enhancing the post-operative experience. It’s imperative that after surgery you follow the post-operative instructions provided by the staff. These instructions will reduce the possibility of major complications and side effects as you heal.

We’d like to take this opportunity to focus on the recovery process for Santa Barbara rhinoplasty. Also referred to as a nose job, people get rhinoplasty for a variety of cosmetic and medically necessary reasons. Whatever the case may be, it’s important that you pay attention to what we recommend before and after surgery. Generally, you will want to stay well hydrated, rest as much as possible, avoid any strenuous physical exertion, and use cold compresses and pain relievers to handle swelling and discomfort.

During the first two days after your surgery, it’s common for patients to experience exhaustion, grogginess, swelling, bruising, nosebleeds, and headaches. It’s best for patients to remain in bed during this critical period and to avoid blowing their noses as well.

Within a week of the surgery being performed, there will be a follow-up visit at our office. Dr. Mackenzie will examine your progress and will remove and bandages, stitches, or special packing for the nose that may have been placed after surgery. By this time patients will be able to return to work and most regular physical activities that are not strenuous or demanding, such as most sports. It’s important that patients not blow their noses for up to two months after surgery.

Precautions such as those mentioned above are taken to ensure that the nose is not reshaped or altered in shape after surgery. In fact, if patients wear glasses, we’ll likely instruct them to not perch their glasses on the bridge of their nose for some weeks just in case. These patients may be encouraged to switch to contacts temporarily.

There are many more issues to keep in mind following rhinoplasty. For more information, be sure to contact Santa Barbara plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas Mackenzie today.