What is Recovery Like After an Ethnic Rhinoplasty?

 

When it comes to planning your surgical procedure, timing is always an important aspect to consider, especially if you have an upcoming event. It takes at least a month for the initial post-surgery swelling to go down, and up to a year—or sometimes longer, depending on how extensive the surgery is—for the nasal contour to completely settle into its final shape so that the ultimate results can be seen. With all of this in mind, it makes sense to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to recover. The winter is usually a great time to have an ethnic rhinoplasty done, New Jersey’s Dr. Carlos Burnett advises. Not only is this usually a less busy period for people, with more time spent resting at home, but your skin is also covered up more against the cold, so it’s easier to hide tell-tale signs of plastic surgery. With the shorter days and cooler weather, you’re also not getting as much sun exposure. Curious about what to expect while you’re healing from a rhinoplasty? Continue reading for a basic guide on what happens during your recovery phase.

The goal of a rhinoplasty is to change the shape, size, or proportions of your nose to improve your appearance, to fix a functional issue and help you to breathe more easily, or both. With an ethnic rhinoplasty—which is a nose job performed on non-Caucasian patients—surgeons alter the nose while still preserving certain physical characteristics of the patient and their preferences, as opposed to performing a generic nose job that adheres to westernized standards. The recovery for this nose job is similar to any other. Each patient recovers at his or her own pace and has a own unique experience.

Week 1

Typically, the worst discomfort and challenges occur during the first days of recovery, and it can take some time before you’re presentable and feel like socializing or being in public again. As time passes, you’ll notice that your nose gradually begins to look better.

Patients may have some stitches or staples and a bandage or a splint covering the nose. These are designed for support and protection of the tissues when they’re healing. They are removed by your surgeon within a few days of the procedure. Some doctors use packing material on the inside, but not all do. Temporary swelling, bruising on or around the nose (including dark bruises around the eyes), discomfort, and headaches typically occur in the early stages of recovery. It’s important to get plenty of rest and not to push yourself too hard after this surgery. Sleep with your head propped up on several pillows or in a recliner to reduce swelling. For particularly complex cases, a patient may stay overnight in a hospital immediately after surgery.

Weeks 2 to 4

Although swelling and bruising are likely to decrease significantly after the first week, some degree of swelling often continues for several weeks. Your nose might also feel stuffy at first. You may be able to go back to work or your normal activities once you feel well enough, but signs that you’ve had surgery done will still be noticeable. You can return to light activity, but should avoid heavy exercise. Continue sleeping on your back with your head elevated and avoid wearing eyeglasses, because they put pressure on the nose.

One Month

By the end of the first month after your surgery, most of the swelling will have gone down, your nose will look more refined, and you’ll likely be able to have a good idea of what the final appearance might look like. Some people experience some persistent itching and numbness in the surgical area.

One Year

Due to the type of skin found on the nose, it may take up to 12 months for the residual swelling to go down. The nose eventually forms a more permanent shape, and the outcome of the surgery is long-lasting—though your face will continue to change due to the normal effects of aging and gravity.

Patients interested in nose surgery should do their own research, choose an experienced provider, and discuss their options with a board-certified plastic surgeon to get a better understanding of the procedure. To talk about what happens during an ethnic rhinoplasty, contact New Jersey’s Burnett Plastic Surgery team by calling 908.233.0200 or filling out a contact form to request a consultation.