Whether your nose surgery was for cosmetic or functional reasons, the goal is to recover as soon as possible without complications. Dr. Barrera knows that a successful recovery is a critical component of your overall rhinoplasty experience. Patients want to see their final results as soon as possible, but patience is a virtue with recovery after nose surgery.

Your initial recovery will take two weeks or more, although you will have some residual swelling for a few weeks. You can’t be disappointed when this swelling occurs, usually in the evening; it will pass. Here are some tips for a successful, speedy recovery from this complex cosmetic procedure:

1. Limit facial muscle movements — This sounds obvious, but during your recovery, you need to limit things such as laughing and smiling (only socialize with your more boring friends!). Be careful not to open your mouth too wide. Keep your nose from stretching too much or from being hit. Opt for food that is easy to chew; put off that steak for a few weeks, as it will require more chewing. 
2. Protect your nose from the sun — After nose surgery with Dr. Barrera, your nose shouldn’t get any sun. Unprotected sun exposure can cause permanent discoloration in your nose after rhinoplasty. Apply 30+ SPF sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
3. Choose the right clothes — This can seem silly, but be smart about your clothing choices: you don’t want to impact your new nose. Avoid tops that must be pulled over your head, such as sweaters and t-shirts. Button-up shirts are your best choice as you recover, as they minimize nose movement and possible bumping while dressing.
4. Don’t wear sunglasses or reading glasses — If you need regular glasses, tape them above your bridge.
5. Keep the exercise light — You may be tempted to get back to hardcore exercise soon as a way to help deal with recovery, but you can’t. You need to opt for lighter workouts that restrict up-and-down movement. Also, don’t participate in sports that put you at risk of hitting your nose. Lastly, your nose will feel tender during recovery, which makes swimming, diving, and similar exercise a temporary no-no until you’re fully healed.

With patience and attention, gracefully recovering from rhinoplasty is not difficult. Dr. Barrera will explain the best practices for your recovery so that you will be pleased with your new nose for the rest of your life. Contact us at (713) 468-5200 if you have any questions about recovery or any other aspect of nose surgery.