Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects the nose, making it more aesthetically pleasing. The procedure is performed on patients who are unhappy with the size, shape or contours of their nose. It can also be used to fix problems stemming from injury or birth defects.
There are many steps involved in the process of rhinoplasty, which is why it’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully after surgery. One of the most important things you can do to help your recovery is get enough rest and sleep at night.
Keep your head elevated at all times.
This will help reduce swelling and prevent blood from pooling in your neck, which could lead to blocked nasal passages or nasal bleeding. You can use pillows or rolled up towels under your head until the swelling goes down completely (about 6 months).
Sleeping on the back
Sleeping on the back is recommended for a week after rhinoplasty, but many patients find it difficult to sleep on their backs due to the pain of the surgical incision. When lying down, keep your head elevated with pillows so that you are not flattening the nasal tip. Also, be sure to keep your head back when resting in bed and avoid tipping forward while sitting up in bed or while sitting in a chair. If you notice any swelling or bleeding after surgery, please contact our office immediately.
Sleeping on the side
Sleeping on the side after a Rhinoplasty helps reduce swelling and speeds up the healing process. It also prevents the formation of a blood clot, which can happen if you lie on your back or stomach
Sleeping on the stomach
Sleeping on the stomach is not recommended for several weeks after rhinoplasty. It is important to sleep on your back with a pillow under your head and one below your knees to prevent swelling in the nasal tip area. You may sleep on your side, but be sure to keep the head of your bed elevated at least 6-8 inches. Sleeping on the stomach after Rhinoplasty will cause swelling and pain in the tip of your nose as well as other areas of the face. This can also affect breathing through both nostrils, which is important for healing after surgery.
Breathe through your mouth.
The nose is often swollen and congested after surgery, which can make it difficult to breathe through the nose. If you have trouble breathing through your nose, try breathing through your mouth instead. Use a saline nasal spray. Saline sprays are available over-the-counter at drugstores. These can help clear up any mucus from your sinuses, making it easier to breathe through your nose.
Use a humidifier.
You may need to use a humidifier in your room or at home while you recover. This will help reduce dryness in your nose and throat, which can make it harder to breathe.
Don’t sleep on the side of your face.
Don’t sleep on the side of your face for at least 2 weeks after surgery. If you must sleep on your side, place two pillows underneath your head, so that the side of your face rests on the pillows rather than directly on a pillow.
Avoid blowing your nose too much.
Blowing your nose too much during the first weeks after rhinoplasty can lead to pressure sores on your nose and inside your nostrils. It may also cause bleeding, which could delay healing or require another procedure.
