Nose surgery procedures are meant to improve the look or function of your nose. Some people have the surgery performed simply for cosmetic reasons and others for health-related reasons such as improved breathing. Nose surgery recovery in Gainesville can vary depending on the type of procedure you have and the extent of the surgery. 

Below, we will go over some nose surgery recovery tips to help you throughout your recovery period. Regardless of the reasons for your nose surgery, post-surgery recovery is something that needs to be considered before scheduling the procedure. You can expect more discomfort than pain, a lot of swelling, especially the first week after surgery and some bruising around the eyes. Depending upon the procedure there might also be some nasal packing or a splint inside your nose for a couple of days or a splint or cast on top of your nose as extra protection the first week post-procedure. You might be prescribed an antihistamine for a few days to help ease some discomfort. Usually, after 1 week, all packing and splints are removed as well as any non-absorbable sutures. As swelling and bruising decreases, nasal breathing starts to normalize. Approximately 80% of the facial swelling is gone after 6 weeks, but it might take as long as 12 months for all the nasal swelling to subside.

Nose Surgery Recovery Tips:

• Follow all preoperative and postoperative instructions given to you by Dr. Allison.
• Avoid physical activities during the first 2 weeks of recovery and avoid bumping your nose.
• Keep your head elevated as much as possible following surgery, sleeping with two pillows at night. This will help to decrease the swelling.
• Get as much rest as possible.  A healthy dose of sleep will help to promote faster healing with less swelling.
• Have a low-salt diet to help prevent fluid retention.
• Monitor your medication schedule if you are experiencing a lot of pain.
• Try to eat soft foods for the first 2 weeks.
• Begin to blow your nose with caution after week 2.
• Avoid wearing glasses for the first 4 weeks.  If it is necessary to wear glasses for seeing, it is recommended to use some sort of cushion between the nose and glasses frame. 
• Avoid sun exposure if possible. Too much sun can slow the healing process and increase swelling.
• Be patient! Your final results can take up to a year to be fully seen. Healing from surgery is a process and you will continue to look and feel better as time goes on. 

Nose surgery can change your appearance and the function of your nose for the better. To learn more about nose surgery recovery, please contact David W. Allison, MD at 703-754-8228 or website to schedule your consultation with Dr. Allison today.