Rhinoplasty is a journey that requires a lot of patience, one that we will undertake together, both you as the patient and I as your surgeon. As your rhinoplasty surgeon (Rhinology), I care just as much as you do about achieving a favorable and natural outcome. Additionally, it is important to us that your health is prioritized above all.
Immediately after surgery, you may notice small blood clots and dark scabs, but they will disappear within a couple of weeks with proper cleaning and office visits.
THE MAIN DISCOMFORT IS NASAL CONGESTION: You will feel congested due to post-surgical swelling of the internal walls, along with the accumulation of mucus, dried blood (scabs), and blood clots (slightly fresh blood). This discomfort will gradually subside over 2 to 4 weeks, and after that, you may experience mild obstruction for a few months.
– It’s normal for your face to be a little swollen: Anti-inflammatory medications are given during the first week to help reduce swelling, and applying ice to the forehead, cheeks, and under the eyes can help minimize this effect.
– You may notice some soreness and irritation in your throat: You can gargle with benzydamine mouthwash and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the discomfort is significant. This discomfort typically lasts 3 to 7 days.
– The most important thing is that you DO NOT TOUCH, SCRATCH, OR GET THE TAPES OR YOUR NOSE WET.
– It is normal to feel a sense of stiffness and numbness in the area; this will gradually subside over time.
– Some flaking and fluid discharge (mucus with blood) may occur.
– Small lumps may appear in the area during the first few months due to swelling (trapped inflammatory fluid or changes in cartilage and bone with natural tissue fibrosis).
– It is quite common to experience a slightly red swelling for several weeks (around 15-20 days), coinciding with the time when scabs fall off; slowly, the area will return to its natural color.
– Aloe vera gel or pure petroleum jelly can be applied to the wounds.
– If signs of infection (folliculitis) appear in the area, which is uncommon, consult your surgeon and apply antibiotics.
– Scabs typically fall off between the 5th and 14th day; let them fall off naturally, do not attempt to remove them.
– Bruising and swelling under the eyes or cheeks are normal. Don’t worry, this is expected. Sometimes, mild bruising or red spots may also appear in the whites of the eyes (sclera); these will fade just like bruises, typically within 2 to 4 weeks.
Do not come fasting, as the cleaning process, while painless, can cause dizziness (vasovagal reflex), a natural reflex due to stress. If this occurs, remain calm, and it will subside within a few minutes.
The splint is removed, and more comfortable tapes are applied.
THE FIRST TIME YOU SEE YOUR NOSE is when the swelling is at its peak.
We recommend being patient and understanding the natural process to avoid unnecessary stress.
Aesthetically, during the first consultation, only changes such as hump removal or crooked nose correction may be noticeable. YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO SEE CHANGES LIKE TIP REFINEMENT DURING THE FIRST CONSULTATIONS. The nasal tip is the last area to deflate; you will begin to see these changes after a couple of months.
During this consultation, a DEEP CLEANING is performed, which is usually better tolerated due to the reduced swelling. Stitches, scabs, and clots are removed, and the tapes are changed. By this time, you will notice that the swelling is starting to decrease. However, the nasal tip swelling will not reduce until 6-12 months later.
During this consultation, the nasal tip may still appear slightly elevated compared to its final position. In most patients, the tip will drop slightly to achieve a more natural look in the coming months.
By the 1st month, you can start doing cardiovascular exercises.
– During this period, patients generally do not develop scabs or bleeding; only occasionally there may be mild nasal obstruction (rhinitis), which improves with the use of a nasal spray (mometasone or fluticasone).
– Swelling under the skin is very mild; it is said that by 6 months, we reach 80% of the final result.
– You may feel the area where the nasal bones meet the cartilages (K area). This happens to everyone, even if they haven’t had surgery. Remember that the nose only has bone at the very top, almost at the forehead, while the rest is cartilage (softer). If a residual hump is visible, touch-ups can be done after 12 months. Sometimes the residual hump is due to inflammatory tissue that accumulates between the skin and bone during the first year after surgery.
– Applying strong pressure may still cause slight pain.
– At 3 months post-rhinoplasty, you can start wearing glasses and engaging in high-intensity exercise.
– At 3 months, you can do all types of exercises, including weightlifting.
– Final result.
– Adaptation of the skin and soft tissues.
– The nose feels like your own, but it will feel stronger and firmer as it gains strength to prevent the tip from drooping when smiling. This last point prevents the hump from reappearing.
– Rhinoplasty is the most meticulous plastic surgery with the highest rate of difficulty and touch-ups worldwide (5% to 10%) due to the millimeter changes and the unpredictable adaptation process of each person. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.
