Los Angeles Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills - Blog

Question:
I have a piggish nose. It is upturned so much you can see inside my nostrils. I want a nose job. How long is the recovery time for a nose job? Will I need to remain in bed the following day?

Answer:
Recovery following a nose job or rhinoplasty will last about two weeks. It will be necessary to have someone present for the first 24 hours following your surgery. Pain associated with surgery is minimal, and your surgeon will prescribe pain killers which you may use if necessary. For the first week, you will want to minimize your activities. This is especially the case during the first few days, where you will want to keep your head elevated and rest. You will have a hard cast on your nose for the first week, and brown paper tape the following week. After the first week, you are encouraged to gradually increase movement and move around the house and gradually increase activity. At six weeks after the surgery, you will be able to resume normal activity.

Question:
What kind of lifestyle changes will I need to do after I get my nose job? When can I become physically active without risking the results?

Answer:
Immediately following rhinoplasty surgery, it will be necessary for you to keep your head elevated and relaxed. Someone will need to be with you for the first 24 hours following surgery. For the first week, you should really take it easy, as too much activity may increase your swelling. It is important to relax your body and not over exert yourself. You will want to take up to two weeks off from work. You should refrain from exercise for four to six weeks, and then ease back into your routine gradually. Doing too much too soon will increase swelling and delay your healing time. I hope this helps answer your question.

Question:
I am considering getting a nose job. I am concerned about the recovery so I am trying to make adequate preparations. I have heard the term “blood drainage,” but what does it mean when connected to a nose job?

Answer:
This term may be referring to the nasal discharge patients experience following rhinoplasty. After rhinoplasty surgery, it is normal for there to be a nasal discharge containing blood for the first 48 hours or so following surgery. It is not something to worry about, and a piece of gauze with surgical tape placed under your nose is usually adequate during your recovery. It is advised to change the gauze after some time for your comfort. Thank you, and I hope this helps answer your question.

Question:
I am a 27-year-old female. I just got a nose job two months ago and now one side of my nose is larger than the other. It looks so weird. I know I am only two months post-op but it seems like the structure should be right even if the swelling has not gone done. Will the asymmetry on the sides of my nose correct themselves as the swelling goes down?

Answer:
After rhinoplasty swelling will last from 18 to 24 months and the final result will not be evident until that time. It is likely your issue is due to swelling, and it is important for you to be patient during the healing period. It is still soon after your surgery, and at this point it would be best for you to speak with your surgeon as he or she knows the extent of your surgery and exactly what was performed. Thank you very much for the question.

Question:
I am a 20-year-old female. My surgeon for my primary nose job used steroid injections to help me get rid of some of the scarring. I think he went a little over board though. My nose looks weird now and I do not think it has to do with the nose job itself. What do excess steroid injections do to your nose?

Answer:
Steroid injections such as Kenalog have a few risks associated with them that include indentation and skin discoloration (white spots potentially present on the nose). These side effects are rare but may occur. At this point it would be best for you to speak with your surgeon, as he or she knows the extent of your initial surgery and exactly what was performed, in addition to the nature of your steroid injections. He or she will be able to give you the best advice regarding your issue. Thank you for the question.

Question:
I am a 23-year-old male and I had a nose job six months ago to reduce the size of my nose tip. I am really dedicated to weight lifting, biking, running, etc. My problem is that ever since my surgery my nose runs a lot when I am exercising. I have been patient but it is really annoying. How long after a nose job can I expect to have this runny nose problem when exercising?

Answer:
It is difficult to determine the nature of your runny nose without performing an examination and obtaining more knowledge about the procedure you had performed.

At this point it would be best for you to speak with your surgeon as he or she knows the extent of your surgery and exactly what was performed.  He or she will be able to give you the best advice regarding your issue. Thank you for the question.

Question:
I am 32, female and I have a nose job scheduled for next week. I need to know what swelling to expect after the surgery. Everyone talks about the swelling but I do not really know what it will look like. Will the tip of my nose look red and bulbous after my nose job?

Answer:
Swelling after rhinoplasty lasts for 18 to 24 months and the final results will not be evident until that time. You will be the most swollen during the first month and generally you are about 70% healed after a three-month period. The swelling diminishes more gradually over the remaining time. If tip work is performed, the tip will appear larger than normal due to swelling, but this will resolve itself over time. It is very rare for the skin on the outside of the tip to appear red, but it may happen. I hope this helps answer your question.

Question:
I had a rhinoplasty four months ago and now there is a weird little lump in the tip. What is this and is the lump dangerous to me?

Answer:
It is difficult to determine the nature of the lump without seeing photographs and/or performing an examination.  If you wish, you may send any close-up photographs that you have to Lisa, my patient care coordinator at ana@spaldingplasticsurgery.com.  After seeing photographs, it may be possible to provide you with general advice, but an examination would be best.  You may call the office at 310-275-2467 if you wish to schedule a consultation.  Thank you very much for the question and best of luck to you!