Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) can enhance your facial balance and, in some cases, improve breathing too. However, the final result depends a lot on healing. Because the nose is delicate after surgery, the right routine reduces swelling and protects your new shape. Therefore, consistent post-rhinoplasty care is essential for long-term results.
This simple guide shares doctor-friendly post-rhinoplasty care tips with clear steps and easy headings. Moreover, it includes what to do, what to avoid, and when to contact your surgeon.
Published By microcareenthospitals.com / Updated: Dec 03, 2025
After surgery, the skin and internal tissues need time to settle. Therefore, swelling, bruising, and a blocked-nose feeling are common at first. In addition, the nose is sensitive to pressure and strain during recovery. So, careful routines reduce risk and support better healing.
When you follow proper after rhinoplasty care, swelling reduces steadily. As a result, your nose shape refines naturally over time.
The first two days are crucial because healing begins immediately. Therefore, focus on rest and gentle support.
Keep your head elevated
Sleep on your back with 2–3 pillows or use a recliner. Because elevation reduces fluid build-up, swelling usually reduces faster. Also, staying elevated helps reduce pressure around the eyes.
Use cold compresses correctly
Apply cold compresses to the cheeks and under-eye area. However, do not press ice directly on the nose. As a result, bruising and swelling often reduce more comfortably.
Take medicines exactly as prescribed
Use pain relief and antibiotics per your surgeon’s schedule. In addition, avoid self-medicating with blood-thinning medicines unless approved. Therefore, always follow medical advice strictly.
Expect congestion and mild drainage
A blocked feeling is normal due to swelling or internal support. So, stay calm and breathe gently. Meanwhile, avoid forceful sniffing because it can irritate tissues.
Daily hygiene keeps the nose comfortable and supports smooth healing. Therefore, do these steps gently and consistently.
Saline spray and moisture support
If your surgeon recommends saline spray, use it as advised. Consequently, dryness reduces and crusting becomes easier to manage. Also, moisture improves comfort while healing.
Gentle outer cleaning only
Clean only the outer nostril area with a clean cotton swab. However, do not insert anything deep inside the nose. As a result, you protect delicate tissues and reduce bleeding risk.
No nose blowing
Instead of blowing, dab gently with tissue. Because blowing increases pressure, it can cause bleeding or worsen swelling. Therefore, avoid it until your surgeon allows.
Sneeze safely
If you feel a sneeze, keep your mouth open. This reduces nasal pressure and protects healing tissues. So, it is a simple but important habit.
Even if you feel better quickly, internal healing continues. Therefore, avoiding common mistakes protects your final outcome.
Avoid heavy exercise and lifting
Skip gym workouts, running, swimming, and weights until your surgeon approves. Because exercise raises blood pressure, swelling and bleeding risk can increase. So, return slowly and safely.
Avoid bending forward often
Bending increases facial pressure and can worsen swelling. Instead, bend at the knees when needed. As a result, you protect your nose and feel more comfortable.
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Smoking slows healing and increases infection risk. Similarly, alcohol can increase swelling. Therefore, avoiding both supports smoother recovery.
Avoid heat, steam, and strong sun
Heat can worsen swelling, and sun may darken bruising. So, avoid steam rooms, hot showers on the face, and direct sunlight. Moreover, wear a cap outdoors for extra protection.
Avoid pressure on the nasal bridge
If advised, avoid wearing glasses on the nose. In addition, do not rub, press, or massage the nose unless your surgeon instructs it. Therefore, keep your nose protected from accidental touch.
Healthy habits improve healing. Therefore, keep recovery gentle and consistent.
Eat healing-friendly foods
Choose soft foods in the first few days. In addition, add protein, fruits, and vegetables because they support tissue repair. So, your body heals better from inside.
Stay hydrated daily
Drink plenty of water, because hydration supports circulation and reduces dryness. As a result, you may feel less discomfort.
Sleep safely every night
Sleep on your back with head elevation. Also, avoid side sleeping early on, because pressure can affect the nose. Therefore, safe sleep habits protect results.
Some symptoms need quick attention. Therefore, contact your surgeon or an ENT specialist if you notice:
Bleeding that does not stop
Fever or increasing redness
Severe pain not improving with medicines
Sudden swelling on one side
Foul-smelling discharge
Breathing difficulty that worsens
Early review prevents complications. So, don’t delay if symptoms feel unusual.
Follow-up care supports safe healing and better results. Therefore, MicroCare ENT Hospital offers personalised guidance for nose surgery aftercare and recovery support. Moreover, our ENT team focuses on both appearance and breathing.
If you are looking for an ENT specialist in Hyderabad and the Best ENT Hospital in Telangana, MicroCare ENT Hospital is a trusted option for rhinoplasty care and aftercare.
These post-rhinoplasty care tips can reduce swelling, prevent complications, and support long-term results. So, follow this plan daily and allow your body the time it needs to heal. For expert recovery guidance, consult MicroCare ENT Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana.
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