Your Essential Toronto Rhinoplasty Recovery Guide

Although the predominant emotion prior to Toronto rhinoplasty tends to be excitement, most patients also feel anxious about the recovery period, as they are unsure of what to expect. Learning more about the procedure and understanding what is involved in recovering from rhinoplasty will help put your mind at ease so you can focus on recuperating from your procedure.

While each patient has his or her own threshold for pain and recovers at a different pace, the following is a general guideline of what to expect as you recover from your Toronto rhinoplasty.

First Week Post-Operatively

Swelling and bruising are common in the first week following rhinoplasty. In most cases, these side effects are worst the first few days after surgery and begin to dissipate over the course of the next few weeks. Both Arnica and Vitamin C can be used to help reduce swelling and aid in the recovery process. Most patients describe the recovery period as uncomfortable rather than painful.

This discomfort is typically caused by internal swelling and congestion, that can make breathing through the nose difficult and often result in dry mouth. In addition, the nose and surrounding area may be tender and patients may feel pressure in the sinus region.

To aid in your recovery, it is imperative that you avoid strenuous physical activities that elevate the heart rate such as running, swimming, and weight lifting for 4-6 weeks. Looking down or bending over should also be avoided for the first two weeks post-operatively. Be careful to limit your exposure to the sun for one year following your rhinoplasty surgery as your nose will be extra sensitive to the ultraviolet rays. A minimum of SPF 45 sunscreen should be worn to protect the nose.

One Month Post-Operatively

In most cases, one month following your rhinoplasty in Toronto, the majority of your swelling and bruising will have subsided but your nose may remain a bit tender and experience some lingering numbness. As the swelling decreases, you will begin to notice that your nose appears more refined. However, swelling may persist in the tip of the nose for several months.

During this phase of the recovery period small bumps and hardened areas may appear, as the tissue and cartilage continue to heal. It is important to recognize that this is a normal and temporary part of the recovery period and should therefore not be a cause for concern.

Three Months Post-Operatively

Approximately three months after your rhinoplasty procedure, most of your swelling will have dissipated. Although the tip may remain slightly swollen, as it is the last area of the nose to heal, it will have dropped, revealing the new size and shape of the nose.

At this point, it is safe to resume all normal day-to-day activities including exercise and other strenuous physical activities. However, to prevent the risk of injury to your nose, high impact or contact sports should be avoided for at least 6 to 12 months post-operatively.

Six to Twelve Months

Although you will begin to see considerable refinement after just three months, it may take six months to one year to see the final outcome of your procedure as a result of residual swelling. Thus, realistic expectations and a great deal of patience are required during the recovery period.