Rhinoplasty involves reshaping the nose through a surgical procedure. It can be done either to improve breathing capabilities, to create a more desirable appearance for the candidate, or both.

If you are someone who is interested in having rhinoplasty surgery, you have recently undergone the procedure, or you’re simply curious about the way in which this procedure heals, this useful resource page will explain everything you need to know about the healing process.

Before your surgery

Before your rhinoplasty procedure, you should make sure that you are comfortable with the information your surgeon has provided you with regarding what’s going to happen next.

Make sure you rest and stay as relaxed as possible in the lead-up to your surgery. Eating healthy and drinking plenty of fluids can help speed up the recovery time and will make you feel generally less lethargic once you come around from the anaesthetic.

It’s incredibly important that you choose a surgeon you trust and know has a reputable background. You should be able to ask your surgeon about their qualifications, the risks of the procedure, and any other questions or concerns you might have beforehand and after surgery. For more information about finding a trustworthy and safe cosmetic surgeon, click here.

Immediately after surgery

Following surgery, you will most likely experience some pain in your nose, accompanied by a headache. You’ll wake up with your bandages and splint affixed to your nose to help keep it in place during the initial healing process. You can find more information on what to expect from your procedure here.

Your surgeon should provide you with some painkillers to help ease the pain, but normally you should be able to return home to rest a few hours after the procedure as long as everything has gone well.

Your nose might feel blocked and stuffy, so you might find it more comfortable to breathe through your mouth during the initial healing period. The tip of your nose could feel numb and you will most likely have some swelling and bruising around your eye and cheek area.

It’s important to follow your surgeon’s care instructions correctly to allow your nose to heal as it should. For the first few days, you should rest up and avoid any strenuous activities which could cause you to knock your new nose.

One week after surgery

After the first week of your recovery, your rhinoplasty surgeon will ask you to come into the clinic to examine your nose and make sure everything is healing as it should be. At this point, you’ll likely have your splint removed. Your surgeon will tell you how to care for your nose now that your bandages are off, follow this advice as closely as you can in order to get the best results.

By now, you should be able to return to your normal daily routine and activities - just make sure you are careful not to knock or irritate your nose with too much sun exposure or pressure on your face, such as wearing glasses or sleeping on your front.

Two weeks after surgery

Most of your bruising should have settled down by this point and the pain should be subsiding. You’ll still want to be considerate of what you are doing, but you’ll be able to move your face much easier by now.

Four weeks after surgery

By now all of your bruising should be gone. However, don’t worry if you are someone who bruises easily and for prolonged periods of time - just make sure to check in with your surgeon that everything is ok.

If you’re someone who enjoys working out, you can begin to do light cardiovascular exercises at this point.

Six weeks after surgery

By now, your new nose should be settling into your face and the bone structure should be stable. You’ll be able to resume light resistance workouts and continue with strength training, just check with your surgeon if any of your exercise methods could hinder the healing process of your rhinoplasty.

Six months after surgery

By the three-to-six month mark, any skin numbness and unusual tingling or sharp shooting pains should be gone. You should be able to touch your nose with slight pressure without feeling any pain. If you have any concerns at this stage, make sure you consult your doctor.

One year after surgery

Your rhinoplasty surgery should have completely healed after one year and you shouldn’t have any pain, swelling, or bruising. Any scars should be fully healed and minimal and you should be able to see the full effect of your rhinoplasty.

If you are experiencing any abnormal discomfort or side effects, speak with your surgeon immediately. Likewise, if you are unhappy with your results and think that the surgery was missold to you or negligently performed, contact a cosmetic surgery solicitor to talk through your next steps.

Talk to Us

We know how disappointing and stressful it can be to experience a botched cosmetic surgery procedure. That’s why we’re here to provide advice, support, and a wide range of resources to help you understand where the complications with your surgery might have come from.

If you’d like to discuss making a claim with us, contact our expert cosmetic surgery solicitors on 0808 159 5255, or fill in our online form today and receive a call back at a time that suits you. Learn more about making a rhinoplasty compensation claim here.

Is it Ok to Sneeze After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. During the healing process, the nasal tissues are extremely delicate and nose surgery patients should avoid doing anything that could risk damage while they are healing. Some patients may wonder whether sneezing episodes could affect their surgical outcome and may want to understand how to mitigate these risks.

This blog will outline what the risks of sneezing are on rhinoplasty results, what the signs of damage are and the actions patients can take to ensure a smooth healing process after nose reshaping surgery.

Is it ok to sneeze after rhinoplasty?

Sneezing after a nose job can put strain on the delicate nasal tissues as they heal. While it is not possible to completely avoid sneezing, taking precautions can help prevent complications. Forceful sneezing can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even changes in the results of the surgery. To minimise the impact, patients are advised to sneeze with their mouths open, which helps to reduce pressure on the nasal structures during sneezing.

During the initial weeks of recovery, the nose is particularly vulnerable. The internal structures are still settling, and any excessive force could disrupt healing. If sneezing becomes frequent due to allergies or irritants, consult a medical professional for advice on managing symptoms safely.

What advice should I follow when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful rhinoplasty recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s guidance, which typically includes:

• Avoiding strenuous activities: heavy lifting, exercise and bending over can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated: sleeping with the head propped up on pillows can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Avoiding nose blowing: forceful nose blowing can disrupt healing and lead to complications such as bleeding.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet: proper nutrition supports tissue repair.
• Following medication instructions: any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics should be taken as directed to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing glasses: given that glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, this can place pressure on the healing nasal structures that could affect the final surgical outcome. Surgeons may recommend that patients avoid glasses for a minimum of four to six weeks following surgery, opting for contact lenses where possible.

How do I know if I damaged my rhinoplasty because of sneezing?

If the nose experiences excessive force - whether from a sneeze or accidental impact - patients may be concerned about whether their rhinoplasty results have been affected. Signs of potential damage include:

• Sudden or increased swelling: some swelling is normal after surgery, but unexpected or prolonged swelling may indicate an issue.
• Persistent nasal pain: if discomfort worsens rather than improves, it could suggest internal irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
• Changes in nasal shape: any visible changes in symmetry or structure may be a sign that the healing process has been disrupted.
• Nasal bleeding: while minor spotting can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If any of these signs appear, consult your surgeon promptly to assess whether additional care or adjustments are needed.

Recognising the signs of surgical complications

While sneezing can put strain on the healing nose and potentially affect rhinoplasty results, all cosmetic surgery carries some level of risk that could occur regardless if the patient sneezes or not. Rhinoplasty is no exception, and while complications are uncommon, they can sometimes occur even when patients carefully follow post-operative care instructions.

Patients should be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a complication, including:

• Persistent or worsening pain: discomfort that does not improve or suddenly worsens could indicate an issue with healing.
• Excessive swelling that does not subside: while some swelling is expected, prolonged or severe swelling beyond what was discussed could be a sign of fluid retention or another complication.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding: minor spotting is normal in the early stages, but ongoing or excessive bleeding should be assessed by a medical professional.
• Difficulty breathing: some nasal congestion is expected in the immediate aftermath of rhinoplasty, however, if nasal airflow becomes significantly obstructed or breathing issues continue beyond what was expected, it may indicate internal swelling or a structural issue.
• Signs of infection: redness, warmth, unusual discharge or fever could indicate an infection that requires medical attention.
• Visible changes in nasal shape: if the nose appears asymmetrical or changes unexpectedly, there may be a disruption in the healing process.

Understanding your surgeon's duty of care

Your surgeon has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure that procedures like rhinoplasty are carried out safely and to a reasonable standard. This duty extends from the initial consultation through to post-operative care, your safety and wellbeing at every stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing full and accurate information: surgeons must explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of rhinoplasty, allowing patients to make an informed decision.
• Conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments: a surgeon must evaluate a patient’s medical history, overall health, and suitability for the procedure.
• Following best medical practices: during surgery, the surgeon must adhere to industry standards and regulatory guidelines to minimise risks and complications.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions, access to follow-up appointments, and prompt support if complications arise.
• Acting in the patient’s best interests: surgeons should never pressure individuals into undergoing surgery and must ensure patients have realistic expectations about their results.

Finding help if your surgeon was negligent

Should you believe that your surgeon performed your rhinoplasty surgery negligently, experts in rhinoplasty surgery claims such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you to understand your rights, compile evidence needed to build a case and secure compensation on your behalf.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 231 6370 or using our online contact form.