Four Things Rhinoplasty Patients Should Avoid After Surgery

Rhinoplasty is a major procedure that involves some time in recovery and comprehensive post-operative care. Though most people experience excellent results following nose reshaping surgery, some activities must be avoided to ensure successful results.

Female plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa can provide personalized guidance during your rhinoplasty recovery journey. Call now to meet with a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at The DeRosa Center and see what’s possible. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most important things to avoid after rhinoplasty in Boston, MA.

1. Strenuous activities

Rhinoplasty surgery involves making changes to the structural integrity of your nose. Incisions are placed either inside the nostrils or along the columella, which is a small strip of tissue that separates your nostrils. Swelling and bruising around these areas can last several weeks, so it’s important to avoid strenuous activities post-surgery. This includes traditional exercise as well as:

• Bending over
• Heavy lifting
• Jogging or running
• Contact sports

2. Rubbing or picking your nose

Complications like infection are possible if you disrupt the healing process by rubbing or picking at your nose. In fact, too much pressure may cause a shift in the surgical results and make it more difficult to achieve your desired outcomes.

If you have a stuffy or irritated nose, try a saline rinse or gentle suctioning to remove any debris. Our female plastic surgeon can provide advice to ensure your rhinoplasty recovery is free from complications. Here are some additional ways to feel more comfortable after rhinoplasty in Boston:

• Apply a cool compress to the face or forehead (while avoiding the nasal area)
• Elevate your head with extra pillows while sleeping or resting
• Take all medications as prescribed by Dr. DeRosa for pain relief and inflammation

3. Sun exposure

In the weeks and months following nose reshaping, try to avoid spending time in direct sunlight as much as possible. Prolonged sun exposure can cause discoloration around the incision sites. We recommend wearing a lightweight hat and applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 whenever you're outdoors. Our team can suggest additional products that are safe to use post-surgery.

4. Wearing glasses or sunglasses

If you wear corrective lenses, you’ll need to wait several weeks before putting them back on your nose. Wearing glasses or sunglasses after rhinoplasty can put pressure on the healing area, causing discomfort and potentially interfering with your results. Speak with Dr. DeRosa about when it’s safe to start wearing glasses again. A follow-up appointment may be necessary to assess your progress.

What else should I avoid after rhinoplasty?

You may be asked to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking certain medications to ensure safe results. Our team can provide a full list of instructions that apply to your needs — so don’t hesitate to ask questions. There's no harm in being too cautious during your recovery period, so be sure to follow your post-op instructions closely and take the time to rest.

Have a safe, successful rhinoplasty surgery

Rhinoplasty recovery is an important part of your journey to achieving a more balanced facial appearance. At The DeRosa Center, we want to ensure you have a successful experience. To find out more about what you should avoid after rhinoplasty in Boston, MA, call to request an appointment with female plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa. We look forward to hearing from you.