After surgery, most patients feel groggy and experience swelling and bruising around the eyes. Most bruising begins to fade within the first week but may persist for several weeks after the surgery. Most people can return to work in approximately 5 to 10 days depending on their job requirements. Your doctor may recommend waiting several weeks before resuming strenuous activities.
Follow your physician's instructions after the surgery.
Common instructions include:
- Ice packs for several days.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
- Tape eyeglasses to your forehead so they don't press on your nose.
- Avoid leaning over to pick up objects or tie shoes. Squat instead.
- Do not use nasal medications for several months.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 3-4 weeks.
- Avoid overly vigorous tooth brushing.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 months.
- Avoid bending and heavy lifting.
- Gently apply cosmetics.
- Do not smoke! This may affect the healing process.
- Avoid aspirin-containing products for about two weeks after surgery.
Don't Blow Your Nose!
No matter how congested you are after surgery, don't blow your nose for several weeks or until your doctor says it's okay. You risk harming your beautiful new nose, if you do!
Icing the nose
One of the most important actions is also the easiest: icing the nose. Apply ice almost constantly the first week. Ice dulls pain and diminishes swelling. During the next few weeks, ice the nose upon awakening.
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