Washing, Showering
& Makeup

The day after your nose stitches are removed, feel free to wash your face and put on makeup.

Until the splint and tape are removed, just freshen up the rest of your face with a damp towel. When washing, remember to be gentle around the nose area, and don't apply any pressure. Hold off on wearing glasses for a month and skip the sauna and steam rooms as well.

Sensations & Healing

Expect minor bleeding and a runny nose for 2-3 days post-surgery.

You might also experience some nasal bleeding during this time. Don't worry, a runny nose could linger for up to a month. Be careful not to blow your nose hard for a month. After that, light nose-blowing is A-OK.

There may be pain or sensory changes up to 6 months when using ear cartilage.

If ear cartilage was used, you might feel some pain or sensory changes for up to 6 months, but that typically improves over time. Rest assured, as time passes, pain and sensory abnormalities generally improve, so there's no need to worry!

Managing Swelling

Facial swelling is expected for about a month after surgery.

Facial swelling is expected for about a month after surgery. Uneven swelling on either side of your nose is totally normal, and it will even out over time.

Please apply hot/cold compresses after surgery at an appropriate time.

For the first 3 days post-op, cold compresses are your friend—they help prevent bleeding and reduce swelling.
After day 4, switch to warm compresses to effectively manage any remaining swelling and bruising.

Scar Care

Please come in for dressing changes, splint removal, and stitch removal.

If you have gauze or cotton inside your nose or behind your ear, we'll remove it and disinfect the area 2-3 days post-surgery. Splints and stitches will be removed around days 6-7.

Please use the prescribed ointment.

Twice a day, gently clean the incision lines and inside of your nose with a cotton swab dipped in saline, then apply the prescribed ointment.

Alcohol & Smoking

Please avoid drinking and smoking for a month post-surgery.

Consuming alcohol and tobacco can negatively affect bleeding, wound healing, and can increase the risk of infections. For the best recovery, it's advised to abstain for a month.

Sleep Position

Please check the possible sleeping position for 3 months after surgery.

Week 1: Keep your neck straight when sleeping.
Elevate your upper body so your head is higher than your heart - it helps reduce swelling faster.
Don't sleep on your side or stomach; keep facing the ceiling! Also, do not lie on your side or on your stomach; sleep with your face facing the ceiling.