Though rhinoplasty is an elective procedure, your body will still need time and patience to heal from this surgery. When choosing nose reshaping for aesthetic reasons, taking your recovery seriously protects your investment and ensures optimal outcomes.
Dr. J. Randall Jordan, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a passion for patient education and natural-looking results, offers these 10 essential tips to help you prepare for your procedure and recovery.
1. Fill Prescriptions Beforehand
Avoid postoperative stress by picking up pain relievers, antibiotics, and other prescribed medications in advance. Having everything ready ensures you can immediately focus on rest, hydration, and comfort when you return home. Dr. Jordan’s nurse coordinator will walk you through your medication list during your preoperative consultation to minimize uncertainty.
2. Sleep With Your Head Elevated
Swelling is a natural part of rhinoplasty recovery, but sleeping with your head elevated can help minimize it. Reducing pressure on your healing nasal tissues will improve your comfort and circulation. Stack pillows in a wedge shape or sleep in a recliner to maintain a 30-45 degree angle.
3. Create a Calm Recovery Space
Your environment matters. Before surgery, prepare a quiet, low-stress area where you can rest undisturbed. Keep essentials like blankets, a water bottle, lip balm, tissues, and entertainment options within arm’s reach to avoid unnecessary movement. A peaceful space supports physical healing and eases the emotional transition during recovery.
4. Follow Up
Post-operative appointments are a vital part of your care. These visits allow Dr. Jordan to monitor your healing, remove splints and sutures, and address questions or concerns. Call our clinic immediately if you notice bleeding, abnormal pain, fever, or signs of infection. Your feedback helps us tailor your care to keep you on track.
5. Dress for Healing
Even small movements might feel challenging in the initial recovery phase. Choose soft, loose-fitting shirts that button or zip up the front to prevent accidental contact with your nose and make getting dressed easier. Many patients prefer to select several outfits a day or two before surgery, so they have one less thing to worry about during the first few days.
6. Switch to Contact Lenses
Since glasses rest directly on your nasal bridge, they can interfere with healing and affect your results. If you usually wear glasses, you’ll need to swap them for contacts during your recovery. Don’t fret if contacts aren’t an option—Dr. Jordan will work with you to find a safe, comfortable solution that protects your improved nasal structure and lets you see clearly.
7. Eat Protein-Rich Foods and Stay Hydrated
Your body needs fuel to heal. Protein supports tissue repair, while hydration reduces inflammation. Drink plenty of water and choose foods with ample protein, such as smoothies, scrambled eggs, hummus, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt. Avoid salty or overly processed meals, which can worsen swelling and slow healing.
8. Minimize Stress
We encourage our patients to treat their recovery as an opportunity for self-care. Stress elevates cortisol levels, which may slow tissue repair and increase discomfort. Allow yourself to rest, unplug from technology, and put your needs first. Mindfulness activities like breathing exercises, journaling, or meditation can make a dramatic difference.
9. Avoid Strenuous Exercise
While light walking improves circulation and speeds healing, don’t bend over, lift heavy objects, or do challenging workouts until Dr. Jordan gives you the go-ahead. These activities can increase your blood pressure, cause excess swelling, or even disrupt healing tissues. Most patients can resume exercise within a few weeks after having surgery, but timelines vary. We’ll guide you based on your progress following surgery.
10. Listen to Your Body
Every rhinoplasty patient heals at a different pace. Rest when you feel tired and speak up if you’re uncomfortable. Pushing through fatigue or ignoring discomfort can delay healing and affect your results. Trust your body’s signals and give yourself grace.
Personalized Rhinoplasty Care From Start to Finish
At Faces, PLLC, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction the moment you walk through our door. We believe treating plastic surgery recovery as a holistic process leads to natural, longer-lasting outcomes.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty near Jackson, MS, let us help you explore your options and create a custom treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals. Schedule your consultation today to receive expert advice from Dr. Jordan and a team that cares about your well-being.