Rhinoplasty After Care

Rhinoplasty is a significant surgical procedure so it is essential for patients to receive the right aftercare following the operation. The specialists at the ENT clinic in London will provide full support during recovery. The Harley Street ENT Clinic will also be able to help if there are any issues or concerns in the future.

Recovering from Rhinoplasty

Most patients will need to take about two weeks off to recover at home after having rhinoplasty surgery. After this, it should be possible to returning to most normal activities. It is especially important to rest in the first days after surgery and to avoid activities like driving that could be affected by the anaesthetic taken during the operation. During this time, patients may be advised to avoid hot baths, smoke and dusty environments. It is important not to try to blow the nose and to sneeze through the mouth if necessary. Propping the head up using pillows can help to reduce swelling and painkillers can be taken to relieve any pain.

The dressing, splint and any stitches that need to be removed can usually be taken off after the first week of recovery. The visible bruising and swelling should fade within two to three weeks, by which time most normal activities can be resumed. Some activities, such as contact sports, may need to be avoided for a little longer to avoid damaging the nose while it is still healing. After six weeks, most patients should be able to complete all of their usual activities, once the ENT doctor has given consent.

Side Effects and Complications

All patients will experience some bruising, swelling and redness following rhinoplasty, which should become less visible within a few weeks. Other side effects such as a blocked nose, stiffness, numbness and light nosebleeds are also common, but they should fade within weeks. The side effects are usually mild, but the ENT doctor can recommend painkillers and other steps that can be taken to relieve them if necessary.

In some cases, more serious complications can occur during or after rhinoplasty surgery. All surgical procedures carry a small risk of heavy bleeding, blood clots, infection and allergic reactions to the anaesthetic. Additional complications that can be associated with rhinoplasty include breathing problems, damage to the cartilage that separates the nostrils, an altered sense of smell, and heavy nosebleeds. Although these complications are rare and can often be managed with the right treatment, they can be serious. The ENT specialist will explain the risks in detail before proceeding with the surgery in London. It is essential for patients to contact their ENT doctor if they are concerned about any symptoms that appear after the surgery.

Follow up Appointments

Follow up appointments with the ENT specialist in London are an important part of aftercare at the Harley Street ENT clinic. The doctor will ensure that the nose is healing as expected and check for any signs of infections or other complications. Patients will also be able to contact your ENT doctor if they have any concerns or questions about side effects or the recovery process. It can take up to six months for the effects of rhinoplasty to be complete and you will be able to return to the clinic at any point if you are worried about anything. In the event that the surgery is unsuccessful or you are dissatisfied with the results of a nose job performed at the Harley Street ENT Clinic or elsewhere, revision rhinoplasty is available at the clinic.

If you want to discuss rhinoplasty with an ENT specialist or you have any questions about your aftercare, get in touch to arrange a consultation at the clinic in London.