Congratulations on getting through your rhinoplasty surgery! Now that you’re headed home to recover, you can spend the next one to two weeks getting lots of rest and relaxation.
Getting the right amount of rest can be difficult while you’re dealing with the pain and swelling from the surgery, which is why we’re providing you with some tips to help you sleep.
Start Getting Ready Before Your Surgery
Most rhinoplasty patients are released from the doctor’s office a few hours after surgery is complete, which means you’ll be going home the same day as the procedure. Your nose will be bruised and swollen, plus you’ll probably be feeling tired and sore right out of surgery.
All of this means that your home should be all set for you to rest as soon as you get there. This is best accomplished by washing all your bed linens and digging out those spare pillows and blankets to stack on your bed.
Check Your Supplies
Part of the pre-surgery preparation is to make sure you have everything you could possible need available in your home. If you don’t have extra pillows or blankets, go buy some or borrow them from a friend. Check to see what prescriptions you’ll need filled from your rhinoplasty surgeon or general practitioner.
Any other supplements or food supplies that will give you a good amount of vitamins is also a great idea. This is the time to stock up on anything that may be needed to care for your family or pets. Even if you don’t think you’ll need something, get it. It’s much better to not use an item than to need it and not have it.
Cut Out the Caffeine
Caffeine is a staple for most adults these days. Almost everyone has some coffee at the start of their day or a soda with a meal. However, any caffeinated beverage should be avoided during your recovery. Caffeine can interfere with your pain medication, causing greater discomfort, and can prevent you from getting the proper amount of rest.
Both of these effects will impede and could even slow the recovery process. Stick with water throughout your recovery, or some caffeine-free herbal teas.
Sleep Alone
If you sleep with someone else, or with your pet, you may want to consider different sleeping arrangements for at least the first week or two of your recovery. Your nose is going to be very tender and vulnerable during this time and any bump could seriously damage it, especially if your partner is a restless sleeper.
Decide where you’re going to be the most comfortable, set up shop for yourself there, and then set up an alternative sleep environment for your partner or pet.
Minimize Swelling by Keeping Your Head Up
Sleeping with your head at an angle will keep your nose above your heart, which is the best way to keep the swelling at a minimum. You can prop yourself up on those extra pillows or, if you prefer, you can rent a hospital bed that can be raised and lowered to your comfort level.
If you absolutely can’t sleep with your head up, your nose won’t be damaged by lying flat; however, you may delay your healing by allowing the swelling to settle around your nose.
Keep Movement to a Minimum
Some people are able to sleep through the night without moving or changing positions. However, if you are not one of those people, you might have to do a little extra prep work to keep yourself from hurting your nose in your sleep. You can stack extra pillows on your sides to restrict your movement or sleep in a smaller bed to minimize your space.
You can also practice lying still while you’re awake and just resting on the couch or your bed. If you still move in your sleep, it’s okay. The bandages and cast will protect your nose and you’ll probably wake up if you move onto your stomach in the night.
Go With the Flow and Listen to Your Body
You’ll be feeling a little off-kilter during the first several days after your surgery. You’ll be feeling some pain and discomfort around your nose, plus you’ll find it a little more difficult to get around and will be more tired than usual.
Because of all this, you may feel like you need to sleep more often or take a lot of naps. Don’t try to force yourself to stay awake. If you need to sleep, then sleep. If you need to just rest in front of the television for awhile, do that. Listen to what your body is telling you. It will know what is needed to heal.
FAQ
It is best to wait about 6 weeks post-surgery before drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks. While this can be a bit difficult for daily coffee and tea drinkers, it can help improve your reaction to pain medication, speed up your healing, and help you sleep well during your recovery period.
You can opt for regular water and caffeine-free herbal tea during recovery. These beverages do not interfere with your medication or sleep schedule after your rhinoplasty. Drinking herbal tea can help improve your sleep quality and allow you to get ample rest.
Dr. Andres Bustillo suggests that his patients keep some spare pillows and blankets handy during the rhinoplasty recovery period. You can use some extra pillows under you to keep yourself propped up. Sleeping with your head elevated above your heart will help reduce swelling in the first few days after your procedure.
If you are a restless sleeper who changes positions all night, sleep in a recliner or stack up some pillows next to your sides. You can also opt for a smaller bed that limits your movement. The most important thing is to ensure that you do not bump or jostle your nose in the middle of the night.
It is also best to sleep alone during the recovery period if your partner is a restless sleeper. Since your nose will be sore and tender from the surgery, an accidental bump or shove during sleep can be excruciatingly painful and could affect your results.
If you are preparing for your rhinoplasty procedure, here are a few things to stock up on beforehand:
– Pillows and blankets for comfort and safety during your recovery process.
– Ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables.
– Any recommended or prescribed medications.
– Entertainment to keep you occupied while you heal.
– Healthy, prepared foods. Ensure that you have vitamin-rich foods at home during your recovery. These help your nose heal quicker, improve the digestive system, and help you rest. If you have pets, make sure to buy their food beforehand as well.
– Herbal tea is a great option to switch to from caffeinated drinks. They can make you feel relaxed and do not interfere with medication.
Chewing hard food after a nose job can be uncomfortable and could even affect the healing process in the first week or two. Instead, eat soft foods that are nutrient-rich during your rhinoplasty recovery period. Baked potatoes, chicken soup, soft fruits, veggies, and juices are great options.
High-fiber foods are good for your digestive system. You can opt for brown rice, fresh fruits, boiled vegetables, etc. For proteins, try eggs, lean meat, and yogurt.
For a vitamin C boost, oranges, broccoli, and peppers are great options. Carrots and spinach are rich in Vitamin A. These are nutrient-rich foods that help you heal faster.
It is normal to feel sleepy and tired for days after your nose job. You’ll likely be taking pain medication and probably won’t feel up to doing much. Instead, get ample rest and naps throughout the day during recovery.
You can opt for soothing chamomile tea and soft music to help you sleep well. Proper amounts of sleep promote a speedy recovery and will make you feel more comfortable while your nose heals.
Contact Us for a Complimentary Rhinoplasty Consultation
When you’re ready to start consulting with surgeons and asking questions, come meet with renowned rhinoplasty expert Dr. Andres Bustillo, M.D., F.A.C.S.. He is one of a select few double board certified facial plastic surgeons. He is board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery (ABOto).
Because he is a facial specialist, he does not perform surgery on any area of the body other than the face. This specialization and experience has allowed him to get results for patients ranging in facial shapes, features, and skin types. By continuing to build his experience and keep up on the latest advancements Dr. Bustillo has built his reputation as someone who produces natural, long-lasting results.
Over 50 percent of his practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. The rest is devoted to other types of facial rejuvenation surgery. He performs over 300 nasal surgeries a year. Twenty-five percent of his patients come from outside the United States. Twenty percent of his patients are other doctors and their families.
He and his team can be contacted by phone at 305-663-3380 or by email through the contact form. The office of Dr. Bustillo is here to answer your questions, and help you to plan your initial consultation. You can also directly contact our patient care coordinator, Jessica, by email. Dr. Bustillo is committed to total patient care and support through his practice based just south of Miami, in beautiful and historic Coral Gables, Florida.