17 things to avoid after rhinoplasty

It is totally exciting to get a new nose and we know that you are eager to see the results of your rhinoplasty surgery but you must understand that the recovery process takes time. And by knowing what not to do after rhinoplasty, you ensure that you will recover well and not compromise the results from your surgery. So here’s a list of things you should avoid after rhinoplasty surgery.

What you should avoid after rhinoplasty

1. Blowing your nose

This will probably be one of the hardest thing to do. But it’s very crucial for you to resist the urge to blow your nose for at least 6 weeks after rhinoplasty. Nose blowing can disrupt your recovery process and compromise your rhinoplasty results.

If you feel that there is dried mucus or boogers in your nose, moisten it and remove it gently with a Q-tip! You should definitely avoid blowing your nose after rhinoplasty surgery.

2. Sneezing with your nose

We know, another one of the hardest thing to do. But sneezing can damage your nasal passages and delay your recovery. So if you have to, sneeze through your mouth instead of your nose. Learn about your triggers and avoid them. For example, if dust, pollen or pet dander can make you sneeze, stay away from them.

Otherwise, when you are anticipating a sneeze, you can try to stop it by tickling the roof of your mouth with your tongue. After about 5~10 seconds, the urge to sneeze may go away. Another method involves pressing your tongue hard against your two front teeth until the urge to sneeze passes.

3. Strenuous activities and exercising

Any rigorous activity gets your blood flowing and as more blood flows to your face, it will increase swelling and add to your risk of excessive bleeding. Think about – there’s a higher chance for your rigorous activities to result in an accident. Even a simple trip-and-fall may damage your nose and jeopardize your rhinoplasty results.

So ditch gym for at least 6 weeks! Steer clear of activities like weight lifting and cardio. Not to mention certain sports such as basketball or volleyball, as you will risk the ball hitting your face. Really, it’s best to avoid any kind of rigorous activity at all and it includes exercising or any kind of intensive manual labor at home.

4. Sex

Having sex is considered a rigorous activity. Firstly, the excess blood flow to your face can increase swelling and even put you at risk for excessive bleeding. Secondly, your sweat can compromise your healing process.

Lastly, when your nose is healing, rigorous activities can make the bones at your nose more susceptible to damage, breakage, and shifting. So it might be hard, but avoid sex after rhinoplasty, at least for 4~6 weeks!

5. Swimming

You should know that a major rule of thumb with rhinoplasty recovery is to not get your incisions wet. That means no swimming for at least six weeks. In addition, swimming also requires you to breathe from your nose or wear swimming goggles, both of which will not help with your recovery. So definitely avoid swimming after rhinoplasty for at least 4~6 weeks.

6. Hot showers

Keep your incisions dry at all times until your stitches are removed (about a week after surgery). Getting the surgical area wet can lead to irritation, inflammation, and a higher risk of infection.

For this reason, you should stay away from hot or cold showers. Wash the rest of your body and use a damp cloth to clean parts of your face, avoiding your nose area.

7. Drinking alcohol

Alcohol has a tendency to thin the blood, and put your at greater risk for excessive bleeding. Additionally, alcohol can cause adverse reactions when it is mixed with certain pain medications. So abstain from alcohol for at least 3 weeks otherwise you will compromise your rhinoplasty results.

8. Smoking

Smoking disrupts the healing process by restricting the vessels and prohibiting healthy blood flow. Smoking also slows down healing, increases the risk of infection of your wounds and increases the susceptibility for scarring.

So do not smoke or be around a smoker for at least 3 weeks. In fact, you should refrain from smoking 2~3 weeks before and after your rhinoplasty. Or better still, use this opportunity to quit smoking in all.

9. Touching, poking or bumping your nose

It’s human nature to be curious of how your new nose feels. You will be tempted to touch, push it, or poke it. But by doing these, you risk misaligning the bones, reshaping the cartilage, and jeopardizing your results in some way.

So, try to keep your nose safe and protected from anything that could cause an injury. Do try to avoid activities that have the potential to bump your nose, such as pulling a sweater over your head, playing with pets or children, throw and catch games, etc.

10. Exaggerated facial expressions

During the early days of rhinoplasty recovery, do limit your facial expressions such as smiling too wide or laughing too hard. Basically, avoid any facial expressions that could cause huge movements to your nose area. Best to keep a straight face as it will help you heal well. 

11. Wearing glasses

Even if you have bad eyesight, refrain from wearing glasses. Because glasses rest on your nose bridge and that could cause an indent to the softened tissue and cartilage. So use contact lenses during the first few weeks, if possible.

If it is difficult for you to wear contact lens, get bridgeless glasses. Or you can use glass support – which is an adjustable strap fitting around the head and a base attached to it. The bridge of your spectacles rest on the base, so that no contact is made between the glass and nose and no weight is put on your nose bridge.

A low budget alternative would be to tape your glasses to your forehead in a way such that your glasses don’t rest on your nose bridge.

12. Using makeup

For ladies, in particular, we know it can be tempting to apply makeup or concealer to your incision areas to help conceal any bruising or scarring. But don’t wear makeup just yet!

The use of makeup can increase the risk of infection and cause skin issues, especially if it is not removed properly. Stay clear from concealers, foundation or any makeup until you are completely healed.

13. Suntanning

Yes, we love the sun too but sun exposure can cause burning, create permanent discoloration, and even increase your risk for infections and complications. So it’s better to stick to the shade and preserve your skin, especially during your recovery period.

Once you have completely recovered, we recommend you always use plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF to help reduce scarring.

14. Eat unhealthy foods

After any surgery, you have to eat well with the correct foods in order to heal well! Your body will need a lot of vitamins and nutrients to keep you from falling sick and help you recover well. Therefore, eat a well-balanced diet and drink lots of fluids (water and fresh juices). Have plenty of fruits and fresh vegetables to avoid constipation.

Read our article on the top 10 healing foods to eat after surgery to find out which foods will help speed up your recovery process. In addition, if you wish to take any vitamins or supplements, do seek your plastic surgeon’s approval prior to taking them.

15. Not keeping your body hydrated

Stay hydrated as much as possible. Drinking water is critical to helping you heal and minimizes the risk of infection. Furthermore, water prevents constipation, dehydration and helps your body get rid of toxins from the anesthesia.

16. Lying down flat on your back

Lying flat on your back may be most comfortable for sleep and rest but it’s dangerous for you during your recovery period after your rhinoplasty surgery. Because when your head and heart are at the same level, it increases blood flow to your face. This will encourage excess bleeding, increased swelling, and even greater pain.

So when you rest or sleep after your rhinoplasty surgery, we highly recommend you to use 1~2 pillows to elevate your head, keeping it raised above your heart while you sleep or rest. Sleeping on a reclining chair at an angle will help too. Do this until you have completely healed.

17. Chewing on hard foods

Especially for the first few weeks, you will need to minimize any unnecessary facial movements and keep them to a minimum. Munching tough, crunchy and chewy foods and fruits such as carrots, steak, apples etc. tend to require the use of a lot of facial muscles and put a lot of pressure on your jaws.

To hasten your recovery and recover well, avoid foods that need a lot of chewing and resist the urge to chew gum. In summary, you need to eat well but maybe in baby food style.

Conclusion

Before you get caught up in your new nose, make sure you take the time you need for recovery. By knowing what to avoid after rhinoplasty and following post-op instructions, you are paving the way for a good recovery and successful results from your surgery.