Thinking about a nose job? Or have you already scheduled your rhinoplasty surgery? Either way, knowing what to do—and what to skip—makes a huge difference in your healing process. Let’s walk you through the dos and don’ts of rhinoplasty so you feel confident and fully prepped.
What You Should Do After Rhinoplasty Surgery
First off, listen to your plastic surgeon. Their surgeon’s instructions are there to keep things safe and easy. Ignoring those? That’s how trouble starts.
After the rhinoplasty procedure, you’ll want to keep your head elevated, even while you are sleeping. This helps reduce swelling. It also keeps pressure off your nasal tissues.
Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy and nutritious diet. Keeping your body hydrated helps with proper healing. Nutritious food fuels your recovery process, particularly in the early days.
Stay away from anything too salty, which might increase swelling.
Also, keep your teeth gently brushed. Yes, it does sound odd, but it’s easy to disturb the nasal bones if you get aggressive with that toothbrush. Be gentle with your face. It’s healing from a very delicate process.
And most importantly? You need to rest. Let your body focus on healing. Sleep is a major part of a safe recovery, so give yourself the time and space to recharge.
Things You Should Avoid After Nose Surgery
This part is just as the real game changer. What not to do can affect your entire recovery period. Avoid bending over, blowing your nose, or doing anything that raises your blood pressure. That includes hitting the gym or going for a run.
Skip consuming alcohol. Not just the first night—avoid it for weeks after surgery. Alcohol can thin your blood, which, as a result, delays healing and bumps up the chance of excessive bleeding.
And don’t smoke. Smoking tobacco, nicotine, or vaping slows blood flow and messes with your nasal passages, which isn’t ideal when trying to heal your face.
Also, avoid wearing glasses too early unless your plastic surgeon says it’s okay. That weight on your nose might interfere with bone placement and also interrupt the healing.
Be Careful Around the Surgery Site
Your surgery site is delicate. Don’t wear glasses unless your cosmetic surgeon gives you the green light. Resting them on your nose too early can alter the results. Also, stay out of the sun too. UV rays can affect the color and shape of healing skin and even damage the internal work done on your facial features.
Avoid makeup for the first week or two. It can irritate sensitive, healing skin around your cheeks and your nose. Give your skin room to breathe.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Every person is different from each other, but most patients start feeling back to normal after a few weeks. That doesn’t mean you’re fully healed, though.
Our nose is tricky. It swells. A lot. Some people see full results only after 1 year. So, patience is the real deal here. Stick with the recovery timeline, and you’ll get there.
If you had surgery for a deviated septum, breathing should improve quickly. But again, let time do its job.
Swelling will vary depending on the technique used, your body, and how closely you stick to post-op care.
Tips for a Smooth Rhinoplasty Recovery
A few small things help your rhinoplasty recovery go a long way.
- Sleep with your head propped up.
- No contact sports
- No heavy workouts.
- Avoid salty foods—they can cause fluid buildup.
- Don’t wear glasses until cleared by your cosmetic or plastic surgeon.
- Stay out of the heat—no steamy rooms and no hot showers.
And absolutely no nose-touching. Not even to check the swelling. The less you mess with your nose, the better. Stick to soft meals the first few days. Chewing too hard or wide jaw movements can add tension around your nasal bones.
Managing Blood Flow & Bruising
Swelling and bruises are normal after cosmetic or plastic surgeries. Your body is adjusting.
Keep ice packs nearby (but never put them directly on your nose). You want to help reduce swelling, not create more problems.
Good blood flow is a double-edged sword. You need it for healing, but too much can cause excessive bleeding. So again—no heavy lifting, no workouts, and no spicy foods that might spike your blood pressure.
Elevate your head during rest and sleep carefully, even during naps. It helps with blood circulation and fluid drainage.
The Emotional Side of Recovery After Rhinoplasty
Here’s something people don’t talk about enough—the emotional part.
You might feel off during the recovery period after the rhinoplasty. The face you see in the mirror might not look how you expected at first. But that’s okay. It’s temporary. Let the swelling go down. Let the bruising fade.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous or frustrated in the early stages. Talk to your plastic surgeon if you’re unsure or feeling anxious. Trust the process and remind yourself why you got the rhinoplasty surgery in the first place.
What to Expect Weeks After Rhinoplasty Surgery
Fast forward to a few weeks after surgery. You’ll likely be back to work, out with friends, and more confident. The swelling will be down. Your nose will feel more like your own.
Don’t forget that deep healing still happens. Stick with your follow-ups and ask about anything that doesn’t feel right. If you ever experience discomfort, reach out to your plastic surgeon. It’s always better to be safe and speak up.
Is Rhinoplasty Right for You?
Some people choose it for cosmetic reasons, while others choose it for its function. Whatever your reason, talk openly with your plastic surgeon before going under.
Think about how it’ll affect your facial features, and be realistic about the timeline and recovery. And don’t compare your progress to others. Healing is personal.
Everyone’s body reacts differently, so your path will look different than someone else’s.
Final Thoughts
Getting a nose job is a huge decision in your life. The way you handle the healing makes all the difference. Stick to all the dos and don’ts of rhinoplasty, follow your surgeon’s plan, and be patient.
Want to know more about prepping for nose surgery or have questions about rhinoplasty recovery? Reach out to a trusted professional today. Your best results come from being cautious and consistent.
Call Jim Brantner MD for Rhinoplasty & More
Thinking about a nose job? Jim Brantner, MD, helps guide you through all the do’s and don’ts of rhinoplasty so your healing process stays on track. From your first consultation to your last follow-up, we are here to support you every step of the way.
We don’t just do rhinoplasty — we also offer eyelid surgery, brow lifts, neck lifts, injectable fillers, fat injections, and body contouring. Looking for a non-surgical touch-up? Ask about Morpheus or dermal filler options. Call us today to learn more or schedule your appointment.