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How will I look and feel after surgery?
Let’s get right too it shall we!
Pain: I’m being absolutely genuine when I say our patient’s don’t really experience pain with this procedure, just some mild discomfort (it is surgery after all so you must expect that). I find this quite remarkable really since the nasal bones are re-set and the nose gets a bit of a work over. The majority of our patient’s just use Extra-Strength Tylenol for the first couple day to control their discomfort.
Appearance: Well…for the first 4-5 days you might look like you just stepped out of a boxing ring. You are likely to have two black eyes and some swelling. If you are following directions and sleep elevated, the swelling will dissipate pretty quickly. You will have a cast on your nose for 6-7 days so I recommend taking a week off from social activities – just until we remove your cast. I think most people feel a bit conspicuous in public with a nasal cast and it’s best to protect your nose from crowds during this time of healing. I think in the end you will agree that is a small price to pay for the euphoric confidence boost that is coming your way!
Recovery – Days 1-7:
I hope you are a patient person because you will have to wait 6-7 days to find out what magic has occurred underneath that cast!! I have seen hundreds of Dr. Castillo’s Rhinoplasties. I can tell you, it will be worth the wait!
- Expect to feel stuffy. Swollen tissue will make it difficult to breath out of your nose for 5-7 days. Focus on breathing out of your mouth. The majority of our patients worry about this pre-operatively, but adjust more quickly than they imagined.
- You will need to reduce your activity level. No running, jogging, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bending over…until Dr. Castillo releases you to do so.
- Please avoid pets and small children. They are notorious for bumping into newly operated noses! You should also stay away from sporting events, bars, crowds of people in general during your initial healing period to avoid any nasal injury incidences.
- Do not get your cast wet. It will fall off (your cast, not your noseJ).
- Gently apply Bacitracin ointment inside your nose, using a Q-tip applicator as demonstrated during your discharge by our recovery nurse. This is important for 2 reasons:
- It allows you to gently clean and hydrate in the inside of your nose to avoid dry, crusty build up.
- It allows secretions to drain.
- DO NOT blow your nose for the first week after surgery. If you have to sneeze, open your mouth and sneeze out of your mouth, not your nose.
Recovery Days 7-20
Welcome to the Reveal!
Seven days after surgery, we will remove your cast. The cast removal can sometimes be a little uncomfortable so I recommend taking a shower to get your cast wet just before you come to our office. Let the water run over your cast for 5-7 minutes to loosen up the adhesive so it will come off with ease.
- Expect your nose to look a little pinched when we take off your cast. This is because the cast has been “pinching” it for the last week. This appearance will resolve in about 24 hours.
- You will be given Saline nasal gel spray. This is used to keep the inside of your nose hydrated and free of crusting. You will squirt and sniff simultaneously three times daily.
- Remove any secretions or crusty build up with a Bacitracin covered Q-tip.
Recovery 3 Weeks Post Surgery:
You will return for a post-operative visit 3 weeks after surgery.
- Swelling inside nose should be much reduced at this point, though some minimal swelling can last for several weeks.
- It is likely that Dr. Castillo will ask you to begin massaging your nose at this point. This is an important step. Its purpose is to help the nasal skin re-drape itself in a natural looking way. It will stop the skin from abnormally adhering to the underlying tissue, which will allow it to move freely and naturally.
- You may notice some temporary numbness or tingling. This will continue to improve over the next several weeks.
- All exercise restrictions are typically lifted at 3 weeks.
Recovery Weeks 4 And Beyond:
Rhinoplasty is a surgery that keeps on giving! Your nose is going to change for the next 12-18 months! You will see more tip definition, more detailed structural changes and even smaller pore size!
- You can still have some very minimal swelling that can last for a few months; others will not notice it, but it will be there and your nose will continue to change as the swelling subsides.
- We will see you back 3 months after your surgery to access your improvements and take your after photos.
Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
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800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)
compliments of Dr. G.D. Castillo. Unless otherwise instructed, you will wear this bra continuously for the first three days after surgery. Then you can go without a bra or use a wireless or sports bra of your choice until Dr. Castillo gives you the green light to begin wearing underwire bras (which, by the way, you will no longer need!! Whoo hoo!).
If you are a movie buff, you may remember the scene from Madagascar where the animals are all dancing and moving their arms to the song I Like To Move It. Well, that type of movement is a little too vigorous for your first few days after surgery, but we don’t want you to baby those muscles. You can really speed up your recovery and eliminate soreness much more quickly by gently moving your arms around to keep those chest muscles from getting tighter. Just remember not to raise your hands above your head for the first week.
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