Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)
After care
- There may be bruising around your eyes following surgery. This will take approximately three weeks to settle.
- Swelling will be evident on and around the nose, and can take several months to settle completely.
- Your throat is likely to feel sore and your nose will feel congested after your operation. Drinking plenty of fluids will help alleviate these symptoms.
- You will need to sleep on four pillows for the first five nights, and avoid bending, to help reduce any swelling.
- It is important not to blow your nose for two weeks following the operation. If you feel your nose is running then sniff rather than blow, and gently dab your nose if necessary. Do not place anything inside your nostril.
- Depending on how the operation is performed, there may be stitches on your septum (the part of your nose which separates your nostrils). There may also be stitches that run through the inside of your septum, and a soft silicone sheet to support it inside your nose. If so, these will be removed in 4 to 7 days.
- Your nose may feel numb or stiff after the operation, but this will return to normal within several months. To avoid burning, it is wise to wear sun block.
- Depending on your occupation, you may consider returning to work in 7 to 10 days, bearing in mind that the bruising and swelling will not have settled by this stage.
- For the first month, try to avoid situations where your nose may get knocked, for example dancing and carrying or playing with children. Contact sports should be avoided for 3 to 6 months.
Tel 0117 910 2400 Fax 0117 930 4394
Bristol Plastic Surgery , 58 Queen Square , Bristol BS1 4LF