Who Has Longer Recovery Time - Initial Nose Job Or Revision Rhinoplasty?*

Revision rhinoplasty is usually done to correct small problems from the first procedure. The process is more complicated since the nasal tissues are already compromised. Although revision nose jobs are meant to make small changes to the appearance of the nose, the procedure will typically take longer to complete, and the patient will also take more time to recover completely. In some cases, patients will even take two years to recover fully. The nose will assume its final look when the patient recovers.

It is worth noting that the recovery process is not any more complicated than that of the primary procedure. In fact, you should be able to get back to your regular activities in about two weeks. To experience a faster and less complicated recovery, you should consider working with a talented and experienced plastic surgeon.

Taking certain steps before, during, and after the revision rhinoplasty can also help you recover faster.

Your Nutritional Regimen

You will have to avoid certain foods, drugs, and medications. You will need to eliminate herbal supplements and blood-thinning medications such as aspirin since they will worsen your bleeding. Also, tobacco and alcohol can lengthen your recovery time and should be avoided strictly, at least for two weeks before and after the surgery. Many surgeons will even decline to carry out the procedure on patients who smoke.

Your diet should contain lots of vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron. These nutrients help your body heal faster.

Treat Any Illnesses You May Have

Your surgeon may carry out tests before the procedure. These are usually meant to test for HIV and other immune deficiency conditions. Your complete blood count (BCC) and chemical profile will also be tested. Some surgeons will even make you test for pregnancy. You should also observe your general state and report any symptoms you experience. Even minor health problems should be reported. Going through a revision with a separate illness can affect your recovery.

Emotional Trauma

Stress during the healing period will only make things worse. Most people get traumatized by the shape and size of the nose immediately following the surgery. It is important to note that the shape of the nose will change gradually over the entire recovery period even if you don’t really notice the changes. Before it assumes its final shape, you should spend more time with supportive people as opposed to those who would judge your decision to get a revision rhinoplasty.

Fortunately, after about seven days, most of the swelling will have subsided, and it will no longer be evident that you had a nose job. The splint and stitches can be removed at this point.

What Should You Expect During Recovery

Recovery from a revision nose job is very similar to that of the primary procedure, except that it takes longer. Your doctor may or may not use nasal packing. In case they do, you may have to breathe through your mouth, and this can cause an uncomfortable, stuffed up feeling. This shouldn’t be a major issue since the surgeon will remove the nasal packing after a few days when you report for your first post operational visit.

Usually, patients will have bruises and swellings on the nose. These problems can be relieved with icing. Your surgeon may recommend supplements and medications to help with the swelling. In some cases, you may even receive injections of Kenalog or other corticosteroids. These medications should be used as a final resort since they might break up the protein of the collagen networks in your skin and joints.

The pain experienced after surgery is minor and feels like a pressure. Oral medications will help relieve you of this discomfort.

You will also experience minor nausea after the procedure because of the blood ingested. This can make you vomit once or twice. Nausea is also caused by the inability to smell, and this can last for some time.

Your discomfort will be limited if you follow these tips:

• Get a lot of rest. Also, be sure to always sleep with your head elevated at an angle of about 30 degrees. Two pillows should help you achieve this angle.

• Avoid aspirin and any medications that contain it. Instead, look for alternative remedies.

• Avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least two weeks

• Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing

• Have a friend or assistant help you with regular chores around the house. Ideally, most of these should be done before the surgery so you can spend more time resting immediately after the surgery. After your procedure, you will not be in a good enough position to perform your normal duties, and this can last for a period. Tasks that involve bending or lifting heavy objects should particularly be avoided.

• Do not wear glasses for the first few weeks as they can affect the results. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to wear them.

• Do not swim for the first four weeks. In some cases, you will have to avoid this activity for longer. For other exercises, you should consult your doctor first.

• Protect your nose from the sun

If you have any concerns, you should contact your doctor.

Conclusion

The initial nose job and the revision procedure will result in side effects. Recovering from both surgeries will be simple, although revision rhinoplasty surgeries will take more time to heal. As mentioned, patients will recover completely after about two years, at which point the nose will have assumed the final shape and look. It is important to follow the directions given by your doctor as this will help you recover faster. You should avoid aspirin, alcohol, and tobacco before, during, and after the procedure. Revision rhinoplasty is especially delicate since the surgeon will be working with tissues that have already been altered. You should, therefore, follow the guidelines to the letter for a smooth surgery. You can contact Dr. Daniel Becker of Becker Rhinoplasty Center in New Jersey for your initial or revision nose job at 609-436-5740 or 856-772-1617. Learn more about them at https://www.therhinoplastycenter.com.

*Contributed by Dr. Becker. Photos via Pexels.

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