After a rhinoplasty procedure, don't be surprised if your smile is temporarily affected by post-operative swelling. The effect is temporary and your smile will return to normal after the initial swelling has dissipated. This may take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
Moreover, in most cases, it is safe to laugh and smile naturally after the 2 weeks of getting the procedure done but it is important to keep in mind that everyone's healing process is different and all patients should confirm it with the doctor before making the changes to their lifestyle.
2 Weeks After Rhinoplasty: Bruising and swelling is significantly reduced to the point where it's not noticeable to the casual observer. You will feel comfortable enough to return to work by the middle of the second week. Mild exercise may be resumed.
In summary, crying, laughing, and yawning are all activities that you should avoid or take caution with for the first few weeks after rhinoplasty surgery. While they will not physically ruin your results, they can cause temporary swelling and bruising.
In these cases, patients may find that the upper lip does not rise up properly as a result and covers the gums and upper teeth when they smile. Luckily, over the weeks following surgery the muscle fibres should grow back together, allowing the smile to return to normal.
Although facial plastic surgeons generally agree that sometimes laughing, yawning, or smiling is not harmful to your nose, there are ways to prevent the effects of these movements and damage to the nose.. It is recommended to try to limit excessive facial movement, especially in the first few weeks after surgery.
Smiling causes a slight stretch in the facial muscles which can make the nose appear wider when you smile. Along with that, there are several factors that can influence the shape of the nose and make it look wider: Genetics: It has a significant impact on the appearance of the nose.
Can you smile 3 weeks rhinoplasty? You can comfortably smile without worry as long as you avoid doing anything too intense for another week or so after two weeks have passed (after three weeks is OK).
How long should I wait after nasal surgery to kiss my partner? – I tell patients to wait 6 weeks before returning to contact sports, so if you consider kissing a contact sport, then 6 weeks. If not, then you can kiss your partner as soon as you are able to do so painlessly.
Worried about sneezing after surgery? Don't. As long as you sneeze with your mouth open, to keep pressure off your nose, you'll be just fine.
Sleeping on your side or stomach is not recommended for several weeks after the procedure because it places unnecessary pressure on your nose. Resting on your back in an elevated position cuts down on congestion and minimizes swelling after rhinoplasty surgery.
Keep the splint dry. You may gently clean dried blood from the inside of the nose with a Q-tip and dilute hydrogen peroxide. Refrain from blowing your nose or sneezing if possible for 2 weeks. Use saline spray or a bulb syringe for comfort and to help clear drainage.
An asymmetrical nose tip after rhinoplasty is perfectly normal. Patients should expect and understand that swelling won't be the same on each side of their nose, thus causing the asymmetry. Other factors such as scar tissue formation, taping, sutures, and splints can also cause uneven nostrils.
When can I resume exercise after rhinoplasty? You can take long walks approximately 1 week after rhinoplasty. By the second week, you can begin doing light treadmill and/or stationary bike exercises, but avoid exercises that include lifting of heavy weights.
Massaging after rhinoplasty
Massaging the nasal bridge, the area above the nasal tip (supratip area) can significantly reduce postoperative edema (swelling). The most effective period of the massage is the first 6 months after surgery.
Exercising during the first week after facial plastic surgery can cause irritation and pain in your nose and face. After a rhinoplasty, take about 2 days to rest. For the other 6 to 12 weeks, avoid straining yourself. Light exercises such as yoga and walking around the house are recommended after your facial surgery.
Don't touch your nose: Patients should take great care to avoid putting any pressure on their nose, including even touching the nose, for at least 1 – 2 weeks after surgery, or until Dr. Khorsandi advises that it is okay to do so.
Q: When can I drink coffee? A: We advise that you wait 6 full weeks after surgery before you resume drinking caffeine. We know this might be difficult for some patients used to drinking coffee or tea daily.
It usually takes 2 – 4 weeks for the tissues to heal from rhinoplasty surgery. The nose is usually swollen and bruised during this time, which is what contributes to impaired breathing through the nose.
The reality is that many rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty patients can appear wider at 3 weeks out than they did before surgery. This can be especially noted if grafting was performed as part of your nasal reshaping process. Stay calm and allow the healing process to unfold.
After the first week
You can also put the saline solution on a cotton swab to carefully scrub the inside of your nose. After about a month to six weeks, your nose should be able to handle your regular cleaning routine. This doesn't mean the rhinoplasty recovery timeline is over, however.
Use Q-Tip & Hydrogen Peroxide
Using a Q-Tip and hydrogen peroxide is a safe, effective way to clean and disinfect your nose and rhinoplasty incisions, but should only be done after any packing has been removed from your nose and face.
Any changes in the smile typically resolve themselves as the nose heals. Because it can take up to 12 months for the nose to fully settle into its new form, the smile may feel a little stiff for some months.
Four to six weeks after rhinoplasty, we observe occasional dropping of the nasal tip due to several causes [5]. Such causes may include scar contractures, weight of the nose, and the action of the depressor septi nasi muscle [5].
Some people develop a droopy nasal tip only when smiling. This can be due to tight ligaments between the nasal base and the upper lip. It can also be due to a tight muscle called the depressor septi muscle that runs between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip.