5 Tips for Managing Fall Allergies and Sinus Issues
Fall weather might be a welcome change after the heat of summer, but with that cooler weather come allergies and sinus issues for many. Here are 5 simple things you can do to feel better.
Considering a Rhinoplasty? Here’s What to Expect During Recovery
About 50,000 people opt for rhinoplasty every year to improve the size or shape of their noses and achieve a more pleasing facial appearance. And, once you’ve decided to have rhinoplasty, it’s natural to be excited about the idea of seeing your new nose.
But before you get to really enjoy your final results, you need to go through a recovery period — and understanding what that involves can help you set realistic expectations and prevent complications.
As top-rated rhinoplasty providers, the experts at ENT Specialists helps every patient navigate their recovery period with confidence and comfort. In this post, our team helps you understand what to expect in the days and weeks following your surgery.
Your first days of recovery
The first few days after rhinoplasty are usually the most challenging. It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and congestion, which can make breathing through your nose uncomfortable.
Rhinoplasty reshapes your nose, so during the initial stages of recovery, it’s important to provide your nose with ample support. In most cases, that means wearing a special splint and bandage for the first week or so. This splint provides stability for your nose while also helping to protect it from impacts or injuries.
Rest is essential during this early phase of recovery. Keeping your head elevated and using cold compresses help control swelling and minimize discomfort. We also prescribe medication to relieve pain and reduce the risk of infection.
Finally, while congestion might tempt you to try to clear your nasal passages, you should definitely leave your nose alone to prevent complications. It’s also important not to do any heavy lifting or other strenuous activity and to avoid bending over, each of which puts extra pressure on your nose area.
The next phase
Once that first week is over, bruising and swelling will begin to subside, and you’ll be able to breathe better through your nose. Nasal splints are usually removed by this time, too, so your face will feel more “normal” and comfortable.
Most people can go back to school or work within a week or two of their surgery, but if your job is physically demanding, you might need a longer recovery period or to request light duty for a few more weeks. You’ll probably be able to resume light exercise during this time, too, but avoid lifting weights or any activity that requires bending over.
Be sure to attend all your follow-up visits. These early visits are especially important for tracking your recovery and ensuring your nose area is healing the way it’s supposed to, without complications like infection. We’ll also remove sutures during these visits.
Long-term healing
You’ll continue to notice decreases in swelling over the following weeks, but it’s important to know that many people have a little swelling for months after their surgery — sometimes up to a year. These changes occur as healing progresses and your nose “settles” into its new contours.
During these weeks and months, it’s very important to protect your nose from injury. Avoid contact sports and wear sun protection every day — yes, even if it’s cloudy — to protect the delicate skin as it heals.
If you have any concerns or notice any changes in your nose or sinuses, call our office right away so we can make sure your recovery and healing stay on track.
Benefits that last a lifetime
Depending on your personal reason for rhinoplasty, your surgery can improve your facial aesthetics and make it easier to breathe. To learn more about rhinoplasty surgery and what to expect during recovery, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists in Salt Lake City, Murray, Draper, and Tooele, Utah, today.
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