It is undeniable that getting a new nose can be exciting and gives you a whole new sense of confidence. It brings your facial features into greater harmony with one another and subtly yet significantly enhancing your overall appearance.

There are varied reasons why people undergo rhinoplasty. Some people need to repair a deviated septum, to correct some breathing problems and complications or solely for aesthetic purposes. Two underlying questions are asked in connection to this plastic surgery procedure: “Does rhinoplasty painful?” and “What is the recovery procedure like?” Dr. Carlos Spera—a renowned plastic surgeon in Miami answers these underlying questions through this content.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

A rhinoplasty plastic surgery procedure will result in little to no pain at all. Dr. Carlos Spera—a renowned plastic surgeon in Miami performs all rhinoplasty using general anesthesia. Through anesthesia, it leaves patients asleep so that they feel nothing during the plastic surgery procedure.

Types of rhinoplasty

There are two basic types of rhinoplasty: open and closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty is slightly more invasive, but it is more effective if you opt for symmetry corrections to allow the plastic surgeon to view the bones and cartilage. On the other hand, a close rhinoplasty utilizes only internal incisions. A closed rhinoplasty will result in minimal swelling and bruising, a relatively shorter recovery period, and by extension, minimal pain.

Regardless of the type of plastic surgery you choose and ideal for your needs, pain should be minimal and easily managed by taking over-the-counter pain medications for a day or two. Patients who already undergo rhinoplasty reported that the most uncomfortable part of the recovery process following the procedure is nasal congestion.

Rhinoplasty recovery process

While Dr. Carlos Spera—a renowned plastic surgeon in Miami works to make the procedure as comfortable and seamless as possible, it is still vital to have realistic expectations. Rhinoplasty is still a plastic surgery procedure, and there are some healing and recovery processes to be done. Following the plastic surgery procedure, you will be sent home immediately with a nose splint to ensure that your nose will keep its new shape.

Few days following the procedure, you can now experience some swelling and bruising around the eyes.  While this will start to improve around the third day, it can continue on the succeeding days and last up to two weeks.

A week following the plastic surgery procedure, the splint and any sutures will be removed. At about ten days, you may look and feel well enough to resume your usual routine. However, it is vital to get rid of any strenuous activities. During this phase, you may still experience some slight numbness due to nerve disruption in the surgical area, but it should improve one to two weeks after the plastic surgery procedure.

Within two weeks following rhinoplasty, it is best to avoid blowing your nose. It is essential to sleep on your back for a few days and avoid wearing glasses as much as possible for six months. You may also experience some light nasal swelling for the first six months. However, it is more likely not to be noticeable to anyone but only you and your plastic surgeon.

Six months following the rhinoplasty procedure, it is expected that the swelling will now diminish. Your nasal functions will now return to their normal state. This time, you can now enjoy the full results of your plastic surgery procedure.

Are you planning to undergo rhinoplasty? If you plan to undergo rhinoplasty in Miami soon, don’t hesitate to book a quick consultation or visit our plastic surgery locations in Miami FL, Fort Lauderdale FL, and Palm Beach FL.