You’re getting ready for a septorhinoplasty, but you may be wondering: What can I do to make the recovery process easier? What should you eat? How can you reduce swelling and bruising?
Here, I’ll explain my top five septorhinoplasty recovery tips. These are the steps I recommend to my own patients to reduce swelling, control discomfort, and support proper healing in the first few days after surgery.
At Elite Facial Plastic Surgery, we focus exclusively on facial procedures, including septorhinoplasty. I’ve helped countless patients improve their breathing and reshape their nose with life-changing outcomes.
Ready to breathe easier and get the nose you’ve always wanted? Schedule your septorhinoplasty consultation today.
1. Elevate Your Head the Day of the Procedure
The day of the procedure, here’s what I recommend my patients do: when you get home, try to lay elevated about 30 to 40 degrees in a bed or recliner.
This position helps reduce swelling and promotes drainage.
2. Apply Ice to Reduce Swelling
Get some crushed ice and fill two Ziploc bags.
Place one bag over each eye for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off for the first 4 hours after the procedure.
Important notes:
- Do not put the ice directly on the splint.
- Keep your head elevated 30 to 40 degrees while using the ice.
This will help with both swelling and bruising.
3. Take Your Medications as Prescribed
Take your prescribed antibiotics and pain medications as indicated by your surgeon.
In my practice, if you do not have an allergy to an NSAID, I typically recommend patients take an NSAID like Motrin or Advil instead of narcotics.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Take the NSAID and wait about 6 hours to see how you feel.
- If you’re doing okay and just feel sore, I recommend continuing Motrin or Advil every 6–8 hours as needed.
Many times, patients don’t need to take the narcotics at all.
4. Eat a Healthy, Low-Sodium Diet
The next part of my recovery process is to eat a really good diet.
This involves:
- Eating green vegetables
- Eating good proteins like chicken
- Avoiding carbohydrates and sodium. These tend to increase swelling and won’t help the healing process.
I also don’t want you smoking or drinking alcohol during the recovery process.
5. Take It Easy
The next part of this is taking it easy. I can’t stress this enough to patients.
If you follow these recommendations, it should expedite and promote the healing process, so you can achieve the best possible results.
Improve the Form & Function of Your Nose with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery
With a septorhinoplasty, Dr. Dominic will improve your breathing function and enhance the look of your nose. With years of experience in facial procedures, he combines surgical precision with comfortable recovery protocols to help you breathe easier and look your best.
Book your consultation today. Let’s create a beautifully refined nose with a comfortable, confident recovery.
