Getting cosmetic surgery can change your life. After having your rhinoplasty procedure, you usually experience more confidence in your appearance and have significant improvements in any breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum.
After your rhinoplasty, you can expect to experience a safe, quick recovery period, which is monitored by board-certified plastic surgeon Joseph Fodero, MD, PA at Northeastern Plastic Surgery in Florham Park, New Jersey. Dr. Fodero explains what you can expect as you recover, and what life is like after your rhinoplasty procedure.
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure you receive on your nose. The procedure is often cosmetic, improving the shape and size of your nose and nostrils, and can also correct medical issues resulting from your nose, including nasal breathing problems resulting from a deviated septum and nasal reconstruction after trauma.
Dr. Fodero is an experienced and skilled rhinoplasty specialist who performs your procedure with precision and care. He specializes in many different kinds of rhinoplasty procedures, including rhinoplasty for men, ethnic rhinoplasty, and also performs revisional rhinoplasty, if you’ve previously had a rhinoplasty and been dissatisfied with the results.
Your rhinoplasty recovery time can vary depending on the complexity of your procedure and your individualized needs. Generally, though, this is what you can expect in the year after your rhinoplasty.
Typically, your rhinoplasty is an outpatient surgery, which means you go home after the procedure without needing to stay overnight. You will still be quite drowsy from the anesthesia right after surgery, so Dr. Fodero asks you to have someone else take you home when you are discharged.
Dr. Fodero gives you personalized post-rhinoplasty case instructions to help you make your recovery as quickly and safely as possible. You can expect Dr. Fodero to instruct you to keep your head elevated to reduce swelling and to apply cold packs to your nose.
Initially, you will have your nose in a cast to keep it protected after surgery. You should plan to take time off work and avoid strenuous exercise until Dr. Fodero clears you to return to these activities.
Within a week to 10 days after the procedure, you’ll have an appointment at Northeastern Plastic Surgery to have your cast removed. When your cast is removed, your nose will still appear swollen, and you can expect to see some post-operative bruising.
Even with the increased swelling and bruising, you’ll be able to see the outline of your new nasal shape with the removal of your cast.
Within 3-4 weeks after surgery, Dr. Fodero usually clears you to return to work and most forms of strenuous exercise. Your nose continues to slowly swell less, making your new nose more apparent with every passing day.
Dr. Fodero continues to see you for check-ins for at least a few months after surgery, with the specific time depending on your individual care plan and recovery process. By six months after your surgery, swelling will be significantly down, and your nose looks extremely similar to your final results.
By a year after your rhinoplasty, your nose is completely healed, with no further swelling. You can expect to reap all the benefits of getting a rhinoplasty, including an enhanced appearance, greater confidence, and improvement of any medical issues caused by your nose.
If you feel dissatisfied by the appearance of your nose or non-cosmetic nasal issues make life challenging for you, you might be a great candidate for a life-enhancing rhinoplasty. To schedule your consultation at Northeastern Plastic Surgery, call us or request one online.
