Nasal irrigation can be used starting one week after the surgery, and some doctors will encourage the use of saline rinses to keep the area hygienic. A saline rinse uses a clean bulb that can be squeezed, which sends a low-pressure stream of water through one nostril while the water exits through the other.
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.
In most patients, it takes roughly 6 weeks for the bones in your nose to heal following surgery. During this time, you should avoid strenuous exercise. Even movements that seem harmless like stretching, lifting, or bending over can increase nasal swelling.
It is normal to have a blocked nose after nasal surgery. Often the nose is clear immediately after the operation, but gradually blocks up over the next few hours. It is common for the nose to be blocked for three weeks before the nasal airway begins to improve.
Swelling and Bruising.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
Do not brush your teeth for two weeks following rhinoplasty. If your nose is running, gently dab it with a tissue. Brush your teeth carefully. Because your upper lip is connected to your nose, you'll move your nose if you brush too aggressively.
Try to avoid sniffing or sneezing for two weeks after surgery. If you do sneeze, try and sneeze with your mouth open to help lessen the pressure forced through your nose. You need to take care not to knock or bang your nose.
There's usually only mild pain following rhinoplasty, especially with no nasal packing. You may experience a bruised sensation as a result of the post-operative swelling that occurs. (This usually seems to be worse the first night.)
The time it takes for dissolvable or absorbable stitches to disappear can vary. Most types should start to dissolve or fall out within a week or two, although it may be a few weeks before they disappear completely. Some may last for several months.
Since the nose retains fluid (for up to a year) following surgery, the massaging motions and compression help push the edema or tissue fluid out of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. This can help mold the nose into a more refined, narrow shape as well as straighten the nose.
When you wash your face, it's important to use a gentle face soap around your nose in order to avoid irritating the area, so avoid cleansers with an exfoliating or scrubbing agent, like microbeads. You can also moisturize, but it's a good idea to keep your nose dry since that helps with proper healing.
To answer your question in short - you will be able to smile usually 1 to 3 months after rhinoplasty surgery. Let's analyze different events post-surgery and how/why they will impact your smile. When extensive work is done, the muscles responsible for holding the upper lip become temporarily weakened.
Once your bandages are off, you can get water and face wash involved. A mild, fragrance-free formula, like the Best of Beauty-winning La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, is crucial. "Your skin will likely be especially sensitive during this healing time," Dr. Bowe says.
It is amazing how quickly the body heals after cosmetic surgery. The first week is the most critical period for rhinoplasty healing. After 7-10 days, patients can begin to use other sleeping positions.
You will have to sleep with your head elevated for 24-48 hours after surgery to help the bleeding slow down and help the swelling resolve.
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.
Avoid yawning or wide mouth opening for two weeks. Avoid nose blowing or sniffing through the nose for two weeks. Use a baby toothbrush on the upper teeth for two weeks following surgery. If sneezing, sneeze with the mouth open for two weeks.
Bending over is not recommended for at least three weeks, as this can increase swelling and aching. Avoid exercise for the allotted timeline of four to six weeks, and avoid activities that will be likely to injure or damage your nose.
However, avoiding strenuous activity doesn't mean lying in bed all day either. This can be bad too. I recommend patients do light daily activities. Walking around the house, watching TV, working on the computer, etc all are safe.
To clean hardened crust from around your nose, gently pat the area with a moist napkin to soften the dried fluid. Warm water can be used as it's more comfortable than cold water. Within four to six weeks of the surgery, most of the swelling will be gone. At this point, you can resume washing your face regularly.
Drink a lot of fluids the first day after your rhinoplasty surgery. Drinking lots of fluids will keep your mouth from getting dry and since you are forced to breathe through your mouth during the healing process, you will always have a dry mouth. Do not drink alcohol or smoke for 10 days after your surgery.
Stitches inside your nose and mouth will usually dissolve on their own. If you have staples, your doctor will take these out in the first week. A bandage will cover your nose. You may have a plastic or plaster splint to protect and help keep the new shape of your nose.
After the first 24 hours you can wet the wound for a short time, for example in the shower. Pat the wound dry immediately after it gets wet. Do not soak the wound or swim until the sutures have been removed. Only use creams or ointments (emollients) recommended by your doctor.
Most often the intranasal packing is absorbable, however on occasion non-absorbable packing is required for your surgery. Do not disturb this packing. Occasionally, a black or white string will be seen coming out of one or both sides of the nose. This is attached to the packing and should neither be cut nor pulled.