If you’re in the Denver area and need to correct a septal abnormality that is obstructing your airway or would like to improve the external appearance of your nose, schedule a septoplasty or rhinoplasty consultation at Boulder Plastic Surgery. Our board certified doctors will fully discuss every aspect of the procedure with you, but it can be helpful to understand the basics before coming in. Read on to learn about what the typical recovery of a septoplasty or rhinoplasty entails.
The Procedures
A rhinoplasty, or “nose job”, is a procedure that focuses directly on improving the aesthetic appearance of the nose. A septoplasty is a procedure for the inside of the nose, which helps to correct a nasal septum that is bent, broken, or damaged due to injury. Both rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures make a small incision inside the nose, and small external incisions if needed.
Recovery Information
- After your procedure, make yourself comfortable and take your first round of pain medication with some food immediately after returning home.
- Apply cold compresses intermittently for 48 hours post-procedure.
- Nasal drainage is normal for at least 72 hours after a rhinoplasty or septoplasty. Keeping your incision site clean with a Q-Tip dipped in half-strength hydrogen peroxide will help.
- If you underwent a septoplasty, small plastic splints with tubes attached will be found in each nostril. Keeping these clean will provide sufficient airflow.
- Bruising is normal post-procedure and will dissipate within 10 to 14 days.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for three weeks at the very least after your procedure. Most patients are back at work after 7 to 10 days.
A Worthwhile Wait
Healing can take as long as one year, but the scar tissue will become stronger and less red after 6 months. It’s important to be patient with your healing process, but if you experience any extreme discomfort or bleeding during or after the first 24 hours, give our office a call at (303) 578-4193.