Your Rhinoplasty ?'s Answered - What is the Recovery like

[amsoyummy]

Hi

Dr.nasif

I had my nose surgery 3 weeks ago and am a full time nurse, and I would like to know how long would I have to wait for me to start lifting heavy stuff ? I really hope you answer this question

[drpaulnassif]

@amsoyummy

Hello,

It is best to avoid bending down where the head is below the waist for at least the first 2 weeks after surgery, and wait at least 4 weeks before performing any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting. I would recommend speaking with your surgeon as well. Thank you for the message.

[Mashimuzy]

hello dr nassif, I did my nose job a week ago and I was wondering why my doctor still wanted me to keep the splint cast on my nose.. He didn't really explain much, but he just told me that I'm still swollen around the eyes since I also did my eye surgery as well.. I did a open rhinoplasty and the doctor took a cartridge out from my ear and implant it into my nose.. Please answer my question.. thank you :)

[drpaulnassif]

@Mashimuzy

Hello,

After rhinoplasty, you will have a hard cast on your nose for the first week and brown paper tape the second week. Please discuss any immediate post-operative concerns with your surgeon, as he/she knows the extent of your surgery and exactly what was performed. Thank you for the message and best of luck.

Dr. Nassif

[Spyflugan91]

Ah third message! Dr Nassif, so here is my question finally; I am thinking about doing another rhinoplasty after this, to really correct the nose... if possible. Too bad I can't send you any pictures, but to me it looks like one side of the nasal bone is higher and more "intense", and lower "smoother" on the other side. The so called lateral surface is more exposured on one side, whereas on the other there is allmost nothing! Looks strange. Can a surgery correct lateral surface on the nose?

[drpaulnassif]

@Spyflugan91

Hello,

It is still very soon after your surgery and you are experiencing swelling. The swelling will be 70% resolved after the first three months and the remainder of the swelling will go down over time. The final result of your procedure will not be evident until 18-24 months following surgery. It would be best to discuss any immediate post-operative concerns with your surgeon, as he/she knows the extent of your procedure and exactly what was performed. Thank you for the message.

[Spyflugan91]

Continuing. To Dr Nassif. So basically my nose is better yet it is twisted, and I feel bad because I didn't mentioned about correcting the nose for my surgeon but I took it for granted that he understood and knew the best, he told me how he would proceed and I trusted him. I mean, if there is a hump and the nose is a little twisted, shouldn't the surgeon notice this and do something about it during the surgery? He is considered the very best plastic surgeon in Sweden though...

[Spyflugan91]

Hey, Dr Nassif, I hope you could answer this. I am a 20 y.o male who did a rhinoplasty about 2 weeks ago here in Sweden, I removed a hump on my right side of the nasal bone and re-shaped my nosetip to b more rounder. Well, I am not swollen now but the result is... well.. ok. My hump is gone and nosetip look great but still, the hump was the result of a somewhat twisted nasalbone (not very twisted but still noticable). This was something the surgeon didn't correct at all, for some reason.

[yorksookiestackhouse]

This is a fantastic video, very informative, thank you.

I am having a closed rhinoplasty in march 2012, can I ask if the swelling, bruising and recovery time will be less than a open rhinoplasty?

[drpaulnassif]

@yorksookiestackhouse Hello,

With a closed rhinoplasty, the nose will still be swollen. However, the swelling will be less than with an open rhinoplasty. This is especially the case in the nasal tip. Thank you and I hope this helps.

Dr. Nassif

[MadWeiner]

Thanks for the encouraging words:)

[arazmir]

hi dr.Nassif can u please answer me when ill be able to wear my sunglasses after the rhinoplasty?cause im going to do it around 22 days be4 summer and i dunno if i will be able to go to the beach and stuff like that,if u could answer me this u will help me alot!

[danadarling88]

Hi Dr. Nassif,

I just had my nose done and will be have my cast removed in 3 days. I was wondering if all of this information applies to closed or open rhinoplasty? I had closed rhinoplasty, and I know that open rhinoplasty takes longer to heal. I would really appreciate your answer... thanks! :)

[danadarling88]

Hi Dr. Nassif.

I just had my nose job and will be removing my cast in 3 days. I had closed rhinoplasty and I was wondering if all of this information applies to closed or if you are referring to open rhinoplasty? Thanks! :)

[fashiongirlie999]

Dr. Nassif, I would love to have rhinoplasty but I am so worried because I've been seeing and hearing things about rotted off noses and rhinoplasty gone really bad, is this very common and how can i relieve my mind?

[drpaulnassif]

@fashiongirlie999

When performed properly by a highly skilled surgeon, rhinoplasty can yield excellent results. It is important to do your homework, and choose a surgeon who has a great deal of experience performing the surgery. This will greatly minimize the chance of a poor result. Thank you for the question, and good luck to you.

Dr. Nassif

[H2GO1]

@fashiongirlie999 Well if you pay a good surgeon you will be fine... noses dropping off occurs when idiots go to thailand to save some money

[edthewise]

Thank you doctor for this great informational video. I just had a rhinoplasty done two weeks ago and it has been an emotionally roller coaster for me. I really should have done all of the research before getting it done because I wasn't prepared for the swelling. I guess you really do have to look much worse before you see any results and even though I went to one of the top Dr`s in my region I still find that I feel anxiety over the way it looks now until it heals and I can finally see results.

[drpaulnassif]

@edthewise Hello,

It is important to be patient, and the swelling will go away soon. You will be about 70% healed after the first 3 months, and the swelling will continue to reduce gradually after that. Thank you, and good luck!

Dr. Nassif

[drpaulnassif]

Hello,

It is ok to keep the piercing, and I can close it during the surgery if the patient prefers. Thank you for the question, and good luck!

[floatlikeabutterfly]

Hi Dr Nassif,

I am looking into getting rinoplasty, and i was wondering about piercings. I currently have my septum pierced. Can you keep a septum piercing throughout the process or would i need to let it close. If it needs to be taken out and allowed to close, can you re-pierce after the procedure ?

[magyarfiucska]

Dear Dr. Nassif,

I had a rhinoplasty six months ago and i got a sun burn one month ago which resulted in a more dark area/spot on the tip of my nose. Have I permanently damaged my nose or is it going to go away? It has faded since then but I at least still notice it. Thanks!

[drpaulnassif]

@magyarfiucska

Hello,

I would recommend you have a consultation with a board certified dermatologist, as he/she will have the best resolution for your issue. There are various treatments available that may help reduce the appearance of any spots on your nose. Thank you for the question, and good luck to you.

[tonyarhi]

Hi Dr. Nassif,

I realize that this is perhaps an unusual request, as most patients would likely request the opposite, but: If one had a round "ball" on one's nose that was removed by a previous surgeon, is that "ball" (and/or "parenthetical cartileges") something that you can replace through revision/reconstruction rhinoplasty?

Thank you so much for your time!

[BelovedUnloved]

Hello Dr. Nassif,

I'm wondering if a deviated septum can be fixed during a rhinoplasty operation as well, and also how many times do you have your patients come back to see you after they've had rhinoplasty done?

[drpaulnassif]

@BelovedUnloved Hello,

Yes, it is very common to fix a deviated septum and perform a rhinoplasty at the same time. The combination is normally referred to as a septorhinoplasty. The revision rate among patients of mine is approximately 2%. Every individual heals differently, and any necessary revision procedures are very simple and usually entail a minor adjustment. Thank you very much for the question.

Dr. Nassif

[luanamoreira84]

HI Dr. Nassif,

I had a rhinoplasty 6 weeks ago and have notice a little bump on the bone, as the swelling goes down it becomes more obvious, it's not very big and i think it gives a more natural look. My only worry would be if it grows as I don't want it to be bigger. Can it grow even after 6 weeks?

Thank you

[drpaulnassif]

@luanamoreira84

Hello,

It is difficult to predict whether or not a bump may become smaller in size. At this point, it would be best for you to speak with your surgeon, as he/she knows the extent of your surgery and exactly what was performed. Thank you for the question, and best of luck to you.

Dr. Nassif

[luanamoreira84]

Hi Dr Nassif,

I had a rhinoplasty 6 weeks ago and I can feel a little bump on the bone, it's not big and you can barely see it, it doesn't bother me now but i would like to know if it can get bigger? or if the bone is already settled by then. thank you

[AzkadelliaGale73]

Dear Dr. Nassif,

I would like to know if after a rhinoplasty surgery, should you feel your nose stuffy or unable to breathe by the nose? And how much time does it take for the stuffiness to go away? To be able to breathe by the nose.

Please do answer.

[drpaulnassif]

@AzkadelliaGale73 Hello,

You will be the most congested in the first week following surgery, and this will gradually resolve itself within two weeks. Thank you for the question, and best of luck to you.

Dr. Nassif 

[natethegreat920]

why is his left nostril so big?

[sshinmoto]

Dear Dr. Nassif,

I would like to have a rhinoplasty operation done but i take coumadin. I know that in order to get this procedure done, I will have to stop taking coumadin and take lovenox shots instead. And if i stop taking coumadin, would you still do the procedure? If you would do the procedure, have ever performed a rhinoplasty on a person with my same condition? And how different would my recovery be from your average patient?

[drpaulnassif]

@sshinmoto

Hello,

You may still have rhinoplasty performed but you would first need medical clearance. Hope this helps answer your question.

Dr. Nassif

[nati3992]

I will be having an operation in late July / early August, but it is abroad - i will be staying there until the first week of September - will I be able to fly back home after 4 weeks or is it too soon after surgery?

[drpaulnassif]

@nati3992

Hello,

4 weeks after surgery is no problem at all. I usually recommend traveling after at least 2 weeks, so 4 weeks will be more than adequate. Hope this helps answer your question. Thank you and best of luck to you.

Dr. Nassif

[nati3992]

@drpaulnassif

thanks for taking time to reply, it helped alot

btw i love Dr. 90210 =)

[nati3992]

@drpaulnassif

thanks for taking time to reply, it really helped.

btw i love Dr. 90210 =)

[frank19593]

Thank you doctor for putting me at ease. Today is 9 days after my operation and my nose is swollen and looks fat but your words in this clip are much more reassuring than my surgeon's were. If he had spoken to me this way I would I would not have been so anxious after the cast was removed. a few days ago. Patients that come to you should feel blessed.

[vsrhianna]

Thank you for doing this video. I need to get that arnica gel/creme that you mentioned. my surgeon never mentioned it. I looked it up and you confirmed my need to get the arnica. Thanks!!

[mio68df]

1 YEAR!!!!!

[meryama001]

Dr Nassif

I have been considering rhinoplasty for a while, and read all I could read about it!! The only thing that's stopping me is my fear of the pain!! I think I am a person who cannot tolerate the pain very well!! I heard from some people that when the doctor wants to remove the bandages inside your nose, it feels like they are pulling your brain out!! Some others said it was mildly painful!! How would you describe the pain after the surgery and when removing the bandages. Thanks

Meriem

[mummsie1]

This answered my question I asked on another video you posted..Bravo!! You give alot of very helpful information!!

[juliawuliaxoxo]

Fantastic video Dr. Nassif. From your videos you can tell that you are very meticulous when it comes to these procedures. Just wondering how long post-op until I would be able to breathe out of my nose again.

Great Work! Five stars!

[20shawry06]

hey dr

i had my surgery about 2 weeks ago now. and i dont no why but i look perfect. not sayin im a model. i mean my nose has very little swelling and ive had no brusing. and i went through the whole thing. reshaping, cartliage correction etc. and i have very little swelling. im the only one who can notice the swelling and im very happy with how it looks now. am i waiting for the swelling and bruising to still kick in? or am i just a very lucky case? thanks alot

[drpaulnassif]

Hello,

It is best for you to consult your doctor for any post op questions as he knows exactly what was done and what you should expect. Thank you very much for your inquiry.

Dr. Nassif

[sonalirmr]

Hello Dr.Nassif. Very informative video as my own doctor did not have time to tell me all this. Is it ok to walk about 2 miles everyday. Would this be strenous for the nose? I am 1 week post/op.

[cleonephthis1]

I know two women who had rhinoplasties years ago and every time I see them their noses don't seem to have any change. So when you say the nose keeps changing, is the change so small that it is not really detectable? Thanks.

[drpaulnassif]

The major changes take place up to 3 months where it becomes approximately 80% healed, then through the remaining year the nose is still changing but not as obvious. The individual who had the surgery will usually notice the smaller changes, but since it is changing by such a small percentage as you get further out from the initial surgery, an onlooker will not notice in most cases.

Dr. Nassif

[kandahbear9]

A couple more questions.. How long does it take for your nose to deteriorate, and the collapse. 10 , 20 years? Or is it a faster more destructive process. Secondly, what would you do when your nose collapses, continue to do reconstructive surgery?

[lilkhmai4u]

i like your video . i have a question i did rhinoplasty. and my nose is super swollen i have to go to school in about one month. I live in malaysia and have to fly back to the united states? will flying be okay? and do you think the swelling will be noticeable in about 3 weeks?

[drpaulnassif]

Hello,

The swelling will still be noticeable in 3 weeks but goes down considerably after each week in the first 6 weeks following surgery. After that, the swelling will decrease at a slower rate. Flying is ok after 2 weeks, but has the potential to create additional swelling. Hope this helps.

Dr. Nassif

[1337tonyb]

how long does the scar after open surgery take to heal?

[drpaulnassif]

It takes about one month to heal.

[samvarnham]

The pain after the surgery though, - i've heard that cotton balls are placed up the nose to collect the blood, and when you remove these after 3 days the pain is unbearable? - Is this true?

What is the pain like after the surgery, for the first three weeks on a scale of 1 - 10?

Thankyou

[drpaulnassif]

Doyle splints are used. No packing. Most patients are fairly comfortable post-surgery, and there is not a great deal of pain associated with the surgery. It is hard to pick a  number, as every patient responds differently.

[kandahbear9]

You said at a year it would be 96% healed, and your nose will never be healed because "it keeps changing every year". What did you mean by that last statement?

[drpaulnassif]

The nose is dynamic and it constantly changes after rhinoplasty. If aggressive surgery, it can change dramatically and collapse with time. It can also get a little smaller with time.

[iheartrainbows88]

Hi Dr. Nassif, can you write me a prescription for patience!

[samina1979]

Thankyou Dr Nasif i had surgery done on thursday very bruised but like you said patience is the best way forward.

[faux411]

Thank you Dr. Nassif - this video clearly outlined the recovery process regarding rhinoplasty.

[Grass7hopper]

Thank u for the vid, I'm talking an appointment with u Dr.Nassif on May.

I hate my nose.

[bma2383]

good vid

[drpaulnassif]

Thank You! always appreciate good feedback. Glad u enjoyed it.

Paul S. Nassif, M.D.