The answer largely depends on what your doctor recommends, but usually patients will be able to wash their face within a few days of the procedure.
The nasal region and the cast installed inside the nose need to remain dry till removed by the doctor a week after a Rhinoplasty. Using a shower can hinder this. You can wash the rest of your body in a bath or shower.
After the first week
You can also start to rinse out the nose with a mild saline solution. 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.
Week 1: During the first week after rhinoplasty surgery, be sure to give yourself ample time for rest and recovery. For the first few days, there is significant swelling, you'll feel tender, and you'll be unable to breathe through the nose. The nasal dressings, splint, and sutures are typically removed after 7 days.
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.
How long after rhinoplasty can I wash my nose? You can start washing the outside of your nose after 7-10 days, once the splint covering the surgery area has been removed. Make sure you do this gently until your nose fully heals in 4-6 weeks.
The answer largely depends on what your doctor recommends, but usually patients will be able to wash their face within a few days of the procedure. Unless you have splints that need to stay dry before its removal, you should be able to maintain personal hygiene soon after coming home from the procedure.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
1 Week: The splint can be removed from your nose and you can go out in public without showing noticeable signs of surgery unless there is bruising around the eyes. This may take 2 weeks to resolve. It is safe to resume activities of daily living.
You Can Sneeze
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.
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.
Patients can participate in the following activities two weeks after rhinoplasty surgery: Short walks. Light household chores. Driving (if you feel comfortable and are not taking pain medication)
Most patients can return to work after 1-2 weeks, depending on the type of work. Resume normal activity slowly, being careful not to push too hard too soon. Strenuous or contact activities should be put off for at least 3-6 weeks.
However, this should strictly be subject to inspection by your plastic surgeon. Swimming should be avoided for around 6 weeks following nose reshaping surgery. The cast that's placed on your nose needs to stay dry until it is removed.
Use ice packs or cool compresses on areas around your nose which are swollen or bruised. Don't apply ice directly to your nose or the skin on your face. Natural supplements such as arnica and bromelain may help to aid the healing process and reduce any swelling and bruising after surgery.
Once the bandage has been removed, gentle and regular cleansing with a simple toner should help. But ensure that you don't rub, massage or wipe too hard. Some exfoliators are fine to use but avoid aggressive exfoliators, as the nasal skin can be extremely sensitive in the early stages following surgery.
Days 1 to 3
During the first 72 hours after your rhinoplasty, focus on taking it easy and letting your body rest. This is usually when the most tenderness, swelling and bruising will occur.
The 2nd week
The change is usually immediately apparent although it will be many months before the final result is achieved. It is often an emotional event – seeing the new nose for the first time. Most patients are thrilled but at the same time, the change can initially feel overwhelming.
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.
Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided for at least 6 weeks following your rhinoplasty. It is also critical that you refrain from smoking following your operation.
While you may be anxious to return to your preferred sleeping position, it is critical that you continue sleeping on your back with your head elevated for about 7 – 10 days after rhinoplasty, or until cleared by Dr. Khorsandi.
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.
Preparing a snack and doing a small load laundry are OK; just be sure to avoid any task that could put your nose at risk (rough-housing with small children, stepping on a chair to get an item that's high out of reach, etc.) or that could elevate your blood pressure (bending down to lift a heavy bag of groceries).
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.
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.
Even patients who have a closed rhinoplasty using only internal incisions and sutures should take care to be extra gentle when applying makeup during the healing phase. Generally speaking, it is best to wait at least 1 – 2 weeks before wearing makeup on or around the nose, but this may vary from patient to patient.