Tips for Athletes Recovering from Rhinoplasty  

Before going through a surgical procedure, you are usually concerned about the recovery process. You might be worried about the time off you will need from work or regular activities, the pain, and the amount of time it takes for the swelling and scars to disappear.

The nose is a prominent part of the face. So, many patients tend to worry about whether their nose will return to normal after rhinoplasty. It might take up to two months before swelling becomes less visible. 

This article looks into some tips you can take during the recovery to make yourself comfortable and speed up the recovery process.

Start with Consultation

Dr. Rihani, the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Southlake Texas, conducts the procedure on many patients over a year. He advises athletes to plan for the surgery and do it appropriately. 

It would be best to start by consulting to get the requisite information about the recovery and the procedure, depending on your specific factors.

Your recovery time may take almost two weeks, but if you have a complicated case, it might go up to six weeks. You can also intensify your training program before you go for surgery so that you schedule the procedure as part of your training cycle downtime.

Steer Clear of Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Athletes should shun any anti-inflammatory medications unless specifically prescribed by a doctor. The drugs can result in swelling and high blood flow, leading to bleeding and slow recovery. 

Ensure that you discuss the use of anti-inflammatory medication with your doctor before you go ahead to take any.

Do not Take Painkillers Unless the Surgeon Approves

You will feel pain and discomfort the first weeks after the surgery. The surgeon will recommend painkillers and other medications to lower the discomfort levels you will experience post-operation. 

The recommended dosages will be specific so that they do not interfere with your recovery or bring any reactions that interfere with the healing process. Therefore, avoid other medications not included in your post-op dosage.

Take Time Off

You will need to focus your body’s energy on healing after the surgery. It would be best to engage in less strenuous activities. This means you should not participate in any sports or other activity where your nose is at risk of injury. 

The whole idea of recovery is ensuring the nose heals in the stipulated time frame. Therefore, avoid putting unnecessary stress on the nose or incurring any injury that will be detrimental to your recovery.

Take Nature Walks

When you walk, you increase circulation throughout your body. You move fluids in your body adequately, and your nose heals faster. Moreover, you reduce stress when you walk and thus prevent swelling or fluid buildup in your body. 

When you increase breathing and heart rate through walking, more oxygen flows through your body, and this aids the recovery process.

Drink Water and Eat Healthily

When you eat healthily and drink a lot of water, your body heals faster, and you get well at a faster pace. Good nutrition is essential for the repair of the body. You give the body the necessary nutrients to heal and mend ailing parts.

On the other hand, water flushes out toxins and reduces the chances of an infection. It allows oxygen and nutrients to be taken to tissues and wound drainage to occur. Therefore, water is another essential part of healing.

Take a Bath, Not a Shower

The splints, bandages, and any support around your nose should not get wet after the procedure. Bathing, instead of showering, is an excellent way of ensuring the dressings do not get wet. 

Also, you can use a damp cloth around the bandages to clean your face. The routine is short-lived since bandages are off after the first-week post-operation. After that, you can return to your normal showering routine.

Do not Blow Your Nose

The surgeon places structures inside your nose that ensure the nose is supported and blowing your nose risks dislodging or shifting these structures. 

Consequently, you might injure your nose or interfere with the healing process. Blowing could also increase irritation in your nose. You can only wipe or dab your nose when there is drainage to prevent any damage.

Elevate Your Head and Get Enough Rest

Resting enhances any healing process in the body. Your body utilizes its energy on healing rather than other activities. When you rest with your head elevated, you will prevent your nose from swelling. Furthermore, liquids will not build up around the surgical area when you keep your head above your body.

Wrapping Up

You will receive specific instructions after surgery. The instructions are vital for a smooth recovery and the best final results. Ensure you follow all the instructions to prevent any likelihood of injuries, infection, or any situations that will impair the final results.