subject: Rhinoplasty - How To Speed Your Recovery [print this page] One of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery, the rhinoplasty-known as the nose job in layman's terms-is performed for a number of reasons. Some people get them because of breathing problems stemming from a deviated septum. Others get them simply because they don't like the way their nose fits their face. Whatever the reason, recovery can be the biggest annoyance from any form of cosmetic surgery. Anything you can do to speed to process along is worth it (within a safe framework, of course). Discuss these tips with your doctor before putting them to work for you.
If you want to get better quicker from your rhinoplasty procedure, you'll have to use ice for more than cooling down your cocktails. Ice is one of the best agents for bringing swelling down and keeping it under control. And swelling will be your primary enemy after having a nose job. Find one of those soft ice packs that can conform around the nose and eyes. You won't want to place it directly on the nose, but in the immediate surrounding areas, where bruising and swelling are very common. Don't be alarmed if you get a black eye or even two. This doesn't mean anything went wrong, it is simply a very normal side effect of having a nose job.
Make sure and take the pain medication you were given on a timely schedule. Of course, you will be warned not to take more than prescribed, but it's just as important not to take less. Many people feel the urge to stretch out their periods of going without Vicodin (or whatever medication you're prescribed). This is very unwise, especially in the beginning. Once the pain starts coming, it's much harder to stop than if it had been nipped in the bud to begin with. Periods of pain aren't going to make your recovery time any longer, but they can make it feel as though it's lasting forever.
Watch your levels of activity during the recovery stage. Everyone-especially if they are active to begin with-is eager to get back to their normal routine following a procedure such as this. However, doing so before you are cleared can prolong the recovery stage and set you back. Aerobic activity, in particular, is bad for recovering from rhinoplasty. All that blood rushing through your face can increase swelling and cause the healing process to stop. Follow your doctor's instructions as it pertains to resuming a normal schedule of exercise.
