LIP AND MOUTH CARE. For the first two weeks following surgery, avoid pursing the lips as in whistling, applying lipstick, kissing, or sucking on a straw. Allowing the nose to heal with as little movement as possible will improve both your cosmetic and functional results.
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.
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.
You should avoid any sexual activities for two weeks after rhinoplasty because having sex release a large amount of adrenaline, which may cause nasal swelling and bleeding that may alter your surgical results. In addition to that, doctors recommend avoiding pursing the lips such as in kissing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No nose picking and/or nose blowing for 14 days after surgery. Use nasal saline sprays (2-3 sprays in each nostril) at least three times daily to moisturize your nose for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
Don't blow your nose for a week, but you may sniff backwards if needed. For the first week, do not lift anything over 10 pounds, bend forward with your head down, or strain in any way. Also, do not run or do any aerobic exercise that first week, however, you may walk as much as you like.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Rule #4: No Kissing!
And this goes for kissing babies, children, or even pets for six weeks after surgery.
If you are comfortable talking about the procedure, even the more intimate procedures, with your partner, your friends, and/or your family members, then perhaps you should go ahead and tell them. They can often provide a wealth of support and encouragement through your plastic surgery journey.
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.
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.
Your surgeon may have removed an excessive amount of tissue from your nose tip in an attempt to raise your entire nose. The resulting image is a “pig snout.” You may experience this temporarily as a result of post-surgery swelling. It usually disappears after a few weeks.
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.
Swelling After Surgery
Generally, swelling is the most common reason why your nose looks bigger after rhinoplasty, which is completely normal. As a general rule, half of the swelling in the nasal tip will be gone after a month, but it will take at least a year for the tip to reach its final shape.
Three weeks post-rhinoplasty, about 70 percent of swelling is gone. This is the time when a patient starts to recognize the changes and begins to appreciate the new shape of his or her nose. It's ok, actually quite normal, to feel a little self conscious at this time.
Rhinoplasty is major surgery, however, and it does require a lengthy recovery period. Although the majority of the healing takes place within the first three months, it can take a year or more for the swelling to subside completely.
Luckily, one week post-operatively, it is safe to resume sleeping on your back or side, provided that you are careful to avoid putting pressure on your nose. While it is safe to lie flat on your back or carefully on your side, it is important to understand that doing so may prolong swelling and bruising.
Typically, the swelling will peak the second or third day after your surgery. Generally, it will be worse when you first arise in the morning—proof that it's better to remain elevated as much as possible. This is not serious, and is not an indication that something is wrong.
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.
3-4 Weeks: You can safely return to cardiovascular activities such as jogging, swimming and cycling. 6 Weeks: The bones are stable, you can resume resistance workouts (weight lifting), wearing glasses and blowing your nose. 3-6 months: The numbness and abnormal sensations in your nose and nasal skin should be resolved.
The first week is the most critical period for rhinoplasty healing. After 7-10 days, patients can begin to use other sleeping positions. Be careful to avoid putting pressure on the nose, and if you can sleep comfortably on your back while elevated, continue to do so.
Lying on your side may cause asymmetrical bruising, swelling and you might inadvertently bump your nose this way as well. It takes many months for your nose to heal, and in that time frame your nose is still changing.It is during those first few weeks that sleep patterns have the most effect on the ultimate outcome.