Functional Rhinoplasty – Part Two

Post-Surgery Recovery Guide

"The entire process of surgery relies equally on precise operation and meticulous post-operative care." Following the correct care guidelines is key to ensuring optimal recovery and avoiding complications.

Phase One: The First Week Post-Surgery – A Critical Rest and Care Period

This is the most important stage of recovery, requiring your utmost patience and attention.

• Adequate Rest is Priority: Allocate at least a week for complete rest. This means taking time off work and avoiding social pressures. Your body needs to focus all its energy on tissue repair.
• Keep Your Head Elevated: Use 2 to 3 pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping or resting. This simple action promotes blood and lymphatic return, significantly reducing swelling and bfusing in the nasal area.
• Proper Ice Application: The first 72 hours post-surgery are the golden window for ice application. Place ice packs on your forehead, between your eyebrows, or on both cheeks, avoiding direct pressure on the vulnerable nose. Ice for 15-20 minutes every hour.
• Careful Wound Management: Use sterile cotton swabs dipped in saline solution to gently clean blood clots and secretions from the edges of your nostrils twice a day. Then, apply a thin layer of the prescribed ointment. Keeping the wound clean is fundamental in preventing infection.
• Dietary Choices: Opt for cool, soft, easy-to-chew foods like porridge, yogurt, or fruit puree. Avoid hot, hard, or spicy foods, as they can irritate the nasal mucosa, leading to congestion and discomfort.
• Strictly Avoid These Actions:
  • - Do not blow your nose, as this can put immense pressure on the sutured internal structures. If nasal discharge occurs, gently dab it dry with tissue.
  • - Avoid bending over, looking down, lifting heavy objects (over 5 kg), vigorous exercise, and any activities that may cause you to hold your breath and strain (such as excessive straining during constipation).

Phase Two: Weeks Two to Four Post-Surgery – Gradual Return to Normal

Your discomfort will significantly decrease, but the internal structures are still healing, so do not let your guard down.

• Gradually Resume Activities: You can begin with gentle activities like walking, but still avoid running, swimming, or intense workouts.
• Gently Cleanse the Nasal Cavity: Your doctor may recommend starting to use a saline nasal rinse to gently flush deeper areas of the nasal cavity, clearing clots and secretions and helping the nasal mucosa recover its function more quickly.
• Regarding Glasses: If you need to wear glasses, opt for lightweight styles or tape them to your forehead to avoid pressure on the bridge of your nose.
• Monitor Swelling Changes: Facial bruising and most swelling will subside during this phase, but you may notice that the tip of your nose still feels numb and swollen. This is completely normal; the swelling at the tip takes longer to resolve.

Phase Three: One Month Post-Surgery – Long-Term Stability and Precautions

• Resume Exercise: Most non-contact sports can gradually be resumed after one month. However, for contact sports like football or basketball that could impact the nose, it is advisable to wait at least three to six months and consult your doctor first.
• Assess Final Results: By this time, the breathing function of your nasal cavity should have fundamentally improved. Any external swelling will continue to slowly diminish, with the final shape and feel of the nose stabilizing over six months to a year.
• Importance of Quitting Smoking: Nicotine severely constricts blood vessels, impacting blood supply and posing a significant risk to wound healing. It is crucial to refrain from smoking for the entire recovery period (at least three months) to ensure the best recovery outcomes.

FAQs and Post-Surgery Notes

For patients suffering from breathing difficulties due to congenital or acquired structural issues, functional nasal reshaping offers a safe and effective solution. It is not just a surgery; it is a significant investment in quality of life.

If you or someone you know is enduring the pain of persistent nasal obstruction, seek a professional assessment from an ENT specialist to regain "breathing freedom."

Updated: 2025-10
Please note that all medical health articles featured on our website have been reviewed by Chiron Medical doctors. The articles are for general information only and are not medical opinions nor should the contents be used to replace the need for personal consultation with a qualified health professional on the reader's medical condition.