Should You Massage Your Nose after Having Rhinoplasty?

Nasal massage and digital compressions after nose surgery can help to reduce swelling and make you more comfortable during your recovery. However, not all plastic surgeons will recommend that you massage your nose after rhinoplasty, so it is crucial that you follow his or her specific recovery guidelines. This article offers general tips for nose massage, how to tell if it might benefit you and what else you can do to help enhance your nose job recovery process.

What Does Massage Do during Rhinoplasty Recovery?

Performing special massage techniques on the nose around two weeks after rhinoplasty can help to reduce swelling both on the sidewalls of the nose, as well as the nasal tip. This also helps to reduce scar tissue as your body continues to heal, encourages proper blood flow and may help you to feel more comfortable as you fully recover from rhinoplasty.

How to Massage Your Nose after Surgery

You should always check with your plastic surgeon before performing any type of post-nose-job massage. If he or she recommends that you do massage your nose, follow his or her specific guidelines. Massage techniques can vary based on each situation, and every plastic surgeon may have a slightly different set of steps to follow. Many will recommend massaging for two minutes, twice per day — once in the morning and once at night.

A few general things to keep in mind when massaging your nose after rhinoplasty:

· Don’t apply too much pressure. It is possible to shift nasal bones and affect your results if you use too much force. The massage should not cause pain or discomfort. If it does, stop and contact your plastic surgeon.

· Perform your nose massage in front of a mirror.

· Avoid applying pressure to the tip of your nose for the first few weeks, unless instructed by your plastic surgeon.

How to Enhance the Healing Process after Nose Surgery

Besides following your plastic surgeon’s recommendations about massage, there are many other things you can do to help optimize your body’s healing process for a smooth, streamlined recovery from nose surgery.

Keep Your Head Elevated

Your plastic surgeon should instruct you to keep your head elevated while sleeping for several weeks after rhinoplasty. Many people find that sleeping propped up on pillows on their backs or even in a recliner is the most comfortable for the first few weeks of recovery.

Keeping your head elevated not only helps to control swelling but also helps to prevent you from rolling onto your side or stomach in your sleep. If you need extra help with this, support the sides of your head with pillows.

Avoid Blowing Your Nose

You might feel the urge to blow your nose after getting nose surgery, but try not to as best you can. This feeling is caused by swelling, and is most likely not a pesky cold. Talk to your plastic surgeon about a nasal spray that you can use to help relieve this sensation and keep the insides of your nasal cavities moisturized and comfortable.

If you feel a sneeze coming on, try to do so through your mouth rather than your nose. This will reduce the pressure on your nasal passages, both making you more comfortable and helping to avoid complications.

Limit Salt Intake

Consuming excess amounts of salt can worsen swelling, which you will want to avoid as you recover from nasal surgery. Keep in mind that many frozen and pre-packaged foods are high in sodium, so it is ideal to stock up on fresh foods before your nose job rather than relying on these options.

Additionally, staying hydrated is a key component of a speedy recovery. Be sure to drink enough water, staying away from sugary sports drinks or sodas whenever possible.

Avoid Very Hot and Spicy Foods

Sipping hot soup, hot chocolate or enjoying your favorite spicy dishes aren’t recommended while you’re recovering from rhinoplasty. These types of foods can cause your nose to swell even more. So as much as you might like the idea of a piping hot cup of tea, you are better off sticking to lukewarm foods and drinks for now.

Don’t Wear Glasses

The pressure of glasses on the sides of your nose during recovery can negatively affect your final results. If you can, wear contacts instead, or wear a very light pair of eyeglasses and only when absolutely necessary.

As for sunglasses, you should be taking care to stay out of the sun during recovery anyway, so you shouldn’t have to worry about sporting shades just yet.