Toronto Rhinoplasty: What Can You Expect While You Are Healing?

Due to its prominence on the face, the nose plays an important role in one’s image. Individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose often feel embarrassed or self-conscious about its size or shape. Luckily, rhinoplasty can restore patients’ confidence by reshaping the nose to create symmetry and balance to the face.

Before undergoing rhinoplasty in Toronto, many patients are understandably anxious about what the recovery period entails. Although some discomfort, swelling, and congestion is to be expected post-operatively, most patients find the recovery period to be very tolerable provided that they follow all aftercare instructions carefully.

Discomfort Following Rhinoplasty

For the first few days post-operatively, most patients experience some discomfort or sensitivity in the nose and surrounding area. Pain medication will be prescribed to ensure that you are kept comfortable throughout your recovery. Although each patient has their own tolerance for pain, in most cases, patients find the discomfort quite bearable and are pleasantly surprised that there is little to no pain at all.

Post-Operative Swelling

Although the extent of post-operative swelling experienced varies from patient to patient, some swelling is inevitable following your Toronto rhinoplasty procedure. The degree of swelling experienced is related to the patient’s skin type, length of the surgery, extent of the procedure, how much bony work is completed, and the amount of care taken by the plastic surgeon.

In most cases, the swelling, which begins during the procedure, reaches its peak by the third day post-operatively. Within two weeks of the procedure, the swelling subsides considerably, at which point it is typically only evident to the patient and surgeon. Residual swelling will continue to dissipate over the next several months.

Congestion Following Rhinoplasty

Following your rhinoplasty in Toronto, you will experience some nasal pressure or congestion as a result of internal post-operative swelling. Because nasal phlegm and blood collects inside the nasal channels following surgery, you may experience some difficulty breathing through your nose.

However, it is important to recognize that this is a normal part of the recovery process and is therefore not a cause for concern. In most cases, nasal stents are also placed inside your nose during the procedure, which narrows the nose’s breathing passages, temporarily impacting breathing. Once the stents are removed, approximately one week post-operatively, breathing through the nose will be much easier.

Follow Aftercare Instructions Carefully

To facilitate a speedy recovery, it is imperative to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon carefully. Because your nose will remain fragile throughout the recovery period, it is crucial to ensure that you do not rub, blow, or move it for the first month post-operatively. Although some patients inquire about their use to manage post-operative congestion, a saline nasal spray can be used to help relieve congestion to help with breathing.

It’s also important to carefully clean your nose using Q-tips dipped in hydrogen peroxide and polysporin ointment several times per day. This helps to remove debris while also alleviating congestion. Exercise, certain medications, exposure to direct sunlight, and smoking should be avoided for at least one month post-operatively, as they can delay healing and increase the likelihood of swelling.