Recovering from rhinoplasty usually means adjusting some of your usual habits, at least until the nose has finished healing. You’ll typically have to change your workout schedule, your eating habits and in some cases, what you wear, to avoid bumping or damaging the nose. After your surgery, you’ll usually also have to adjust your skincare routine, to avoid irritating the healing incisions or causing any sort of problems.
Cleansing the Face
When it comes to cleansing your face after your nose surgery, the key word to keep in mind is gentle. Usually, your surgeon will recommend that you wash carefully around the area while you are still wearing the cast or splint. Your goal is avoid getting the splint wet. Wash around the area of your nose and try to avoid showers if you can, at least until the cast or splint is removed. You may be given swabs to use to clean around the nostrils or insides of your nose while it heals.
Think about the cleanser you use during the healing period carefully. Look for one that describes itself as mild or gentle. Even if your skin wasn’t sensitive before the surgery, it may be for some time afterwards. A gentle cleanser will help minimize redness and irritation.
Sun Protection
After rhinoplasty, your skin around your nose will be more sensitive to the effects of the sun’s UV rays. Ultraviolet radiation can cause the incision site to discolor. The hyperpigmentation may fade with time, or it may be permanent. Since the area around your nose might also be a bit numb after your surgery, it is easier for it to burn if you spend time out in the sun.
Usually, it’s a good idea to avoid sun exposure for several weeks after the surgery. When you do start going outdoors or spending time in the sun again, make sure to use a sunscreen on the area and to wear a hat for extra protection. To reduce the risk of breakouts, pick a sunscreen that won’t clog pores.
Avoiding Strong Ingredients
Along with using a gentle cleanser after your surgery, you’ll want to stick with other facial products that contain gentle ingredients. Use a moisturizer on your skin to keep it from drying out. After rhinoplasty, it’s usually recommended that you avoid products with active ingredients, such as retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients can irritate already sensitive skin and make it more sensitive to sun exposure. They can also be very drying, and the goal of skincare after rhinoplasty is to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated.
Wearing Makeup
In many cases, you can start wearing makeup pretty soon after surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to wait until after the cast or splint is removed to apply any cosmetics. Once you get the all-clear from your doctor, makeup can be a great way to conceal any bruises or redness around the area. Mineral-based foundations and powders may be the way to go while your nose is healing. They tend to be gentler than other types of cosmetics while still providing a decent amount of coverage.
How you apply the makeup is very important, especially while your nose is healing. Use a light hand and don’t push down too hard on the nose. Avoid getting the makeup in the incisions, as well. If your goal is to cover up bruising, a yellow concealer will offer the best camouflage. Green concealers work well when it comes to covering up redness.
General Care Tips
It’s not just what you put on your skin after your rhinoplasty that matters. How you treat your skin and what you ingest also play a part in taking good care of it. Remember to drink plenty of water each day, at least six glasses, to prevent your skin from drying out.
Try to avoid picking at the incisions sites or pushing on your nose. As the incisions scab over and start to heal, it can be tempting to poke at or pick the scabs. But, doing so can make any scarring more visible. It can also put you at an increased risk for an infection.
Double board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Bared specializes in rhinoplasty procedures. He performs about four or five surgeries each week and is well versed in the best way to care for your skin afterwards. If you have any questions after your surgery or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bared, you can call (305) 666-5884 for an appointment in Miami.
Facial Plastic Surgeon