Getting a nose job really can be life changing. It’s actually amazing how much the shape of your nose defines the rest of your face.
With a slightly narrower or sleeker bridge, the eyes become more of a focus and the whole face appears more open and welcoming. So many people find their confidence soars once they have a nose job as they finally look in the mirror and see a face they love.
Although common, rhinoplasty is a specialised field of cosmetic surgery that takes many years to refine. It requires surgical expertise as well as the ability to know what will suit the person’s face. You could say the best nose job surgeons are scientists and artists.
The reason it’s such a specialised field of cosmetic surgery is because every single patient’s face is unique. In some cases, there’s a need to shave away bumps or ridges, or generally straighten the nose. For others, the tip will look better if it’s reshaped. Maybe you broke your nose as a child, or perhaps you feel your nose is too big for your face.
Whatever your reason, your surgeon’s job will be to create an outcome that looks balanced in context with your eyes, chin and cheeks. And of course, they’ll need to ensure your breathing isn’t negatively affected.
A nose job is definitely a complex procedure but in contrast, the risks, according to the Mayo Clinic1 are minimal and rare.
Once you’ve weighed up the cost and the risks, and chosen where to go for surgery you’ll also need to consider the finer details of how to take care of your nose after surgery.
Read on to discover the top 5 things you need to know for the most successful nose job.
1. GoodbyE smoking and drinking
Fret not, it’s not forever! However, drinking and smoking are a no-go for about 2 weeks before and after you’ve had a nose job.
According to research, drinking and smoking can have a negative effect on the healing process and if you want to achieve the best possible outcome, it’s not worth taking that risk
You want to make the most of your surgery by ensuring you’re a good candidate for rhinoplasty – that means providing a full medical history, avoiding alcohol and giving up smoking in the short term.
It might sound like a lot to ask, but we can assure you, it’s worth it.
2. No kissing!
Yep, this one seems a bit far-fetched but stay with us for a minute. As you know, kissing involves getting up close and personal, and, think about the times when you’ve accidentally bumped noses when you go in for even just a ‘welcome home’ peck.
Now, add a bunch of stitches, bruising and swelling, not to mention a tender scaffold that is your new nose, and you’re not just looking at a painful moment, it can actually ruin the whole thing as it can make a dent leaving you with a crooked or bent nose.
Not what you want!
If it sounds impossible to keep away from your partner, children or pets, consider this: you just chose to do something that would change your life for the better, and you don’t want to ruin it in the first few weeks.
Keeping your distance from toddlers and pets (the most likely culprits) can be a challenge. But being mindful to move a little more slowly when you do plant a kiss on your loved ones can avoid ruining everything you just achieved.
Take precautions and you’ll have a better chance of your nose job being a success.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM A NOSE JOB?
The initial healing process is approximately 7–10 days but your nose will take almost a full year before it is completely healed.
3. Get some contact lenses
Wear glasses? Then you might want to look at getting a month’s worth of contact lenses while your nose heals.
The bridge of the nose is a delicate area and any weight on it can create an unwanted indent or bump. You’ve spent all that money on improving your profile – don’t ruin it!
If you wear glasses (or live in your sunnies), and contact lenses aren’t an option, there are special nasal splints that can help keep the weight off the bridge. Make sure you mention that to your surgeon so you can keep your new nose in perfect shape.
4. Work from home (if you can)
Thankfully, working remotely is much more accepted, so depending on the work you do, it’s advisable to work from home while you’re sporting the initial bruising. A couple of weeks is recommended. If you’re planning on going back to an office then the swelling and bruising is generally reduced within 2 weeks, or better still extend your trip and let us book an amazing itinerary for you to really make the most of your experience and time away.
If your work involves being outdoors, you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting or straining for about three weeks as it can cause bleeding or swelling. In addition, avoid doing anything that involves a risk of bumping your nose as you need time for it to heal.
5. Buy more pillows!
While the delicate bone and cartilage in your nose are healing, it’s a good idea to sleep on your back in an elevated position. Prop yourself up with some extra pillows and you should be able to get a good night’s sleep. After a nose job, most people find they’re able to return to their regular sleep position within about 7 to 10 days.
NB: your nose will probably feel blocked as the inner stitches heal, so breathing through the mouth at night is likely. If you share a bed with someone you might want to warn them that snoring is possible!
On another note, you can experience nasal bleeding after a nose job but the last thing you want to do is blow your nose. It will be tempting but use a saline solution instead; that way your nose will stay clean and healthy.
Now that you’ve got all the information you need, you can choose to get a nose job from an educated position.
If you want to know more, download our Rhinoplasty info sheet. Alternatively speak to one of our friendly consultants and let them answer any questions you have about getting a nose job.
Click the calendar link below to book your free 20-minute discovery call with one of the team: https://calendly.com/astheticaintl/