Rhinoplasty procedure is usually completed in about two hours, but the total journey from surgical preparation to post-operative recovery will require a significant time commitment from the patient. Recovery can be smooth and swift if the patient follows the surgeon’s instructions diligently.
The surgeon will explain various aspects of recovery during the initial consultation. Board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen provides rhinoplasty to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations.
How to Prepare for Recovery
Advance preparation will make the recovery easier. The patient should have someone to drive them home after the rhinoplasty procedure is over. For the first 24 to 48 hours, the patient should ideally have a family member, friend or a professional nurse to help with certain chores at home. Working people should apply for a leave of about one week well in time so that they can adequately rest at home during the initial recovery stage.
Before the patient leaves for home after the surgery, the medical staff will provide them with detailed post-operative care instructions. These instructions should be followed carefully in order to minimize discomfort, reduce the risk of complications, and expedite the recovery.
The patient should be prepared to follow a diet rich in lean proteins in the post-op recovery phase, and should stay sufficiently hydrated. Ice packs should be arranged in advance or cold compresses should be performed in the first two to three days to reduce swelling.
Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
Initial Recovery Phase
Mild pain, irritation, bruising, swelling, nosebleeds, and headaches are expected in the first two to three days. The patient should avoid blowing the nose during this early phase. In the first 24 hours, the head should be rested in an elevated position as far as possible.
Mild walks at home can begin from the second day, but heavy lifting of weights and strenuous activities should be avoided for about two to three weeks. The surgeon will most likely prescribe pain medications and antibiotics for the first three to five days to keep the patient comfortable and minimize the risk of infection.
Recovery in the Following Weeks
The first follow up appointment with the plastic surgeon will usually be scheduled at the end of the first week. At this time, the surgeon may remove the sutures as well as the splint of nasal packing, if any. In the week following the surgery, bruising would begin subsiding rapidly, but swelling would reduce gradually over several weeks and months.
Most patients will be in a position to go back to work or resume a more normal routine at home in about one to two weeks after surgery. While most of the side effects experienced after rhinoplasty will disappear in about two weeks, the patient should continue to follow the surgeon’s instructions about refraining from smoking and avoiding strenuous exercises until healing is completed.
For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Ashburn, Reston, Chantilly, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other surrounding Virginia and Washington DC areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/
