What Happens After A Nose Job?
Snip, snip…nose job surgery isn’t exactly like getting a haircut, but it’s not as daunting as heart surgery either. It’s a fairly common procedure with minimal risk of complications, which is one reason so many people have it done. During the surgery, anesthesia numbs the area and most patients are released later the same day or at worst, the next day. However, post-surgery can be a shocking and intimidating experience for those that aren’t prepared for what comes after.
Immediately after surgery, it’s probably best not to look in the mirror! Your nose will be bruised, swollen and covered in gauze with a cast to make sure everything stays in place. You’ll feel congested from the cotton stuffed inside and will need to breathe through your mouth since there is definitely no nose blowing for a while. There’s also likely to be bleeding and drainage for a few days which will be absorbed into a pad or gauze taped under the nose. And of course, where there’s surgery, there’s usually pain. The nose as well as the area around it will ache, but for most people this isn’t too severe.
About a week after the surgery, the cast and dressings are usually removed, but there will still be bruises and some swelling. If you’re worried about when you can finally re-enter civilization, most bruises fade (although not completely) closer to two weeks after the surgery. Figure another two to six months for the swelling to completely go down, and get ready for this…almost a full year before the final results of your new nose settle in.
As for what you can’t do for several weeks following your nose job. Your nose cosmetic surgeon will advise Here’s a list:
• Strenuous exertion
• Rubbing or blowing the nose
• Resting glasses on the nose
• Excessive facial expressions (includes smiling)
• Sun exposure
Remember that nose jobs require a long healing process, but one that is hopefully worth it if you love the end results.