When Can I Shower After Rhinoplasty?

After any surgery, the wound can be very sensitive and any stitching, bandages, splints or tape may be prone to damage, so it is recommended to wait at least two days before fully washing in the shower.

As the nose is a very exposed part of the body, it should be unsurprising that you should be cautious about showering after a rhinoplasty.

In the following guide, we will detail how you can best look after your nose following rhinoplasty.

Avoid submerging completely in water during the healing process, and instead clean with cotton bud tips soaked in saline solution - do not use water unless you are certain it is sterile.

Instead of taking showers, which may result in unwanted water draining or spraying onto the affected area, take baths to clean your body and ensure that your wet hair does not drip onto the nose.

How to sleep after rhinoplasty

You may feel congested after the surgery, which could be due to dried blood in the nose or swelling. Similarly to how you would if you had a cold or blocked nose, you should sleep with your head elevated, using a couple of thick pillows.

However, you should not attempt to blow your nose under any circumstances, as this may cause injury to your healing wound. 

You should also aim to keep your face as still as you comfortably can, as full-face smiling or creasing of the nose may cause pain or even damage to the healing process. 

Activities you should avoid

Refrain from undertaking any activities that could be physically straining. This includes exercises such as running, heavy lifting and housework.

Undertaking these may cause you to sweat or wrinkle your face, both of which may affect the healing process.

You should also avoid any situations where you may become ill, as this will reduce the effectiveness of your body’s ability to mend itself.

Infection is a very real issue with any kind of surgery and can have serious consequences to your physical health.

Instead, try to spend time sitting down and do things that cause little stress, as this can be a factor in your healing process.

If you are planning to go out, wear clothes that have a zip on the front - avoid those which require pulling over the head, or anything that may make even gentle contact with the wound. Knocks to the nose or even fibres from clothes are risks.

What should I do if my nose does not heal properly after a rhinoplasty?

As stated above, there are many factors that may cause a nose to heal improperly or become infected after a rhinoplasty, but not all of them may be your fault.

If your nose has suffered an issue, you should seek medical treatment as soon as you become aware of it.

Symptoms may include increased swelling for a long duration of time, yellow pus or increased pain. It is vital that you seek medical attention, or your nose may heal incorrectly or cause you extended illness that could become severe. 

If you believe that the worsening of your condition was not your own fault, but that of the medical practitioner who carried out your rhinoplasty, you should seek legal advice from the experts at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors.

We will be able to offer you professional advice and guidance on how you can claim compensation for your suffering, and offer you representation in court if it is required.

Call us today on 0808 231 7017 or fill out an online enquiry form for more information on how we can help you.