Summer is one of the busiest times of the year at our clinic for cosmetic procedures. Students are usually on a break from university, college or high school, and working professionals tend to take summer vacations to get out and enjoy the great weather. This makes it an ideal time to book your rhinoplasty procedure so that you can relax at home, avoid physical activity and public appearances for a short while. It’s also a time when family and friends may be more available to give you a helping hand during your recovery process.
Most people are able to get back to their regular routine following a brief resting period of about 7 to 10 days. However, patients should anticipate that the surgery will affect physically active recreational plans and should accommodate their schedule accordingly.
Post-Surgery Precautions
- Limit Exposure to direct sunlight
- Avoid used of eyewear
- Do not wet the nose
- Choose above waist garments carefully, avoid clothing that needs to be pulled over your head
Sun Exposure
Following rhinoplasty, post-operative inflammation will mean that the tissue in this area is more sensitive to direct sunlight. Exposure to solar rays can also cause discolouration at the incision site that may, in turn, lead to a prominent, darkened scar. While it does not mean that you cannot enjoy the summer weather, just be sure to avoid direct, facial sun exposure until your nose heals. Use physical screens such as hats, or umbrellas to limit direct exposure to the sunlight and apply sunblock generously. As always remember, “prevention is better than cure”.
Eye Wear
While it may seem like a great idea to enjoy the summer weather sporting a pair of sunglasses, the pressure inflicted by the weight of the frames onto a nose can hamper the process of healing. It is true that sunglasses will shield your eyes and part of the nose from UV rays, but the same can be achieved by wearing a hat or using an umbrella, until the healing process is complete. It is strongly recommended to wait at least a month following the surgery before wearing any type of eyeglasses. If glasses are essential for your vision, consult your surgeon for advice. One possible way to get around this issue could be adding padding support around the nose to reduce the impact of any pressure.
Dry Nose
The summer weather is the perfect time to go to the beach or have a swim in the pool. However, directly after rhinoplasty, it is important to hold the water activities until your surgeon gives you the green light. Water exposure could affect the healing process in the following ways:
- Impact from waves or jumping into water can cause trauma.
- Water may dampen any supporting structures placed around your nose by the surgeon. The Same effect can be seen due to sweating in hot weather.
- Any physically straining activities such as diving, jumping into the pool, or bumping into other swimmers at the incision site can break the stitches and misalign the position of the nose.
- Public pools, hot tubs and even baths are filled with bacteria that pose an infection risk for fresh, surgical incisions.
Clothing Options
The process of pulling clothes over the head can inflict trauma or pressure to your nose. Some of the articles of clothing that you may want to avoid include T-shirts and tank tops. Instead, look for dresses and shirts which button or zip up.
Post Surgical Travel
Rhinoplasty does not mean you would have to give up your summer travelling. The day of as well as the day after your surgery, general anaesthetic can leave you feeling dizzy and tired. It is recommended that you relax for at least a day or two before taking any long trips. Talk to your surgeon about when it will be safe for you to travel and be sure to ask helpful tips to relieve pressure or nasal dryness while flying.
Dr. Philip Solomon is certified in Canada in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is also a board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Dr. Solomon specializes in rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, and otoplasty surgeries. He will be happy to further explain the recovery process during a consultation prior to your surgery.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Solomon, call us at 866-293-0616. You can also contact us here.
Sep 19th 2017