Rhinoplasty Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,002 Reviews
Rhinoplastybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Rhinoplasty Cost: $5,975

Learn about Rhinoplasty

5,047 people and 803 doctors are talking about Rhinoplasty

Get Free Email Updates

How Many Days Should I Have Someone Care for Me After Rhinoplasty?

asked 4 months ago by Laurelee in Denver, CO
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 203 times
Tags: aftercare, duration

I am planning to take 10 days off from work for rhinoplasty. I would like to know how long should I have my spouse be available to care for me. Is it 24 hours or longer?

13 answers to How Many Days Should I Have Someone Care for Me After Rhinoplasty?

+1

Care after Rhinoplasty Surgery

Post op assistance after rhinoplasty surgery is usually only necessary for 24 hours. However, it is not recommended that you drive or do anything strenuous at that time. On the other hand, if you are skillful or convincing try to get him to care for you for the full 10 days. Good luck!
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+2

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Laurelee, most of our patients here in San Diego typically require some degree of assistance for only 24 hours following rhinoplasty. Thereafter, they are, for the most part, on their feet capable of taking care of themselves fairly independently. Most of my rhinoplasty patients are off of the narcotic pain medication within 48 hours or so - even with osteotomies (where we break the nasal bone). I would consider it a luxury to have someone caring for you for longer periods of time. That... more
John M. Hilinski, MD

San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drhilinski.com

+1

Caregiver needed for first 24 hours after rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia. It is important that you have a friend or relative take care of you for the first 24 hours after the procedure. The next day patients are usually okay on their own. There is usually a minimal to moderate amount of pain and discomfort, no packing placed inside the nose, and the stitches are placed inside the nostrils and are dissolvable.
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+1

Rhinoplasty recovery made quick and easy

Here are a few things to make your rhinoplasty recovery more simple plan ahead and prepare a comfortable place to recover. Collect reading materials and comfort items so they are close at hand. You need to keep your head elevated for 24-48 hours so create your recovery area accordingly get a bag of frozen peas and separate it into 6 or 8 snack size zip lock bags so you can have comfortable ice packs to place over your nose. prepare food in advance have... more
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Someone to watch over you after rhinoplasty

Dear Laurelee Of course every patient and recovery are a little different, but having someone help you for the first few days is important. Best Wishes
Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH

Sacramento Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drtravistollefson.com

+1

Rhinoplasty Recovery

I insist that my patients have a responsible adult care for them for the first 24 hours after surgery. This is related to the affects of the anesthesia, not the surgery. After 24 hours you are free to drive and tend to non-stressful activities of daily living such as preparing meals, tending to normal hygiene, caring for the surgical site, and whatever else you would like to do that doesn't involve cardiovascular exertion, bending, and lifting more than 8 pounds (gallon of milk). more
Louis W. Apostolakis, MD

Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-apo.com

+1

Recovery following rhinoplasty

Most patients, following a rhinoplasty will need help for a few days. A lot of the recovery depends on whether or not you will require a nasal packing. As long as you do not have any bleeding complications or difficulty with anesthesia a few days of assistance will usually be fine. It is very difficult to determine for each individual the amount of time they will need before they will be able to care for themselves. You will have some bruising and swelling and... more
Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty post care

I always saythe longer the better. If a family meember wants to help out for a few days it will make your life easier. 24-48 hours is probably ideal.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty recovery recommendations

Rhinoplasty recovery is generally not too bad. Most patient only need assistance for about 24 hours or so after surgery. After that, the main complaint is generally swelling and congestion. Some bloody drainage from the nose is normal, but substantial nose bleed is not expected. The amount of swelling and bruising after rhinoplasty can range from minimal to dramatic. You should plan on icing the nose per your surgeon's instructions for 24-48 hours to... more
Michael Bowman, MD

Montgomery Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty Care

We require 24 hours and recommend 48 hours. Keep in mind, you are not able to drive until you are off of your narcotic pain relief. You also may be very drowsy and unable to care for your wound site. If you have further questions, it is always best to talk to your surgeon. Best of luck to you!
Philip Young, MD

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

How Many Days Should I Have Someone Care for Me After Rhinoplasty?

Overnight is typically all that's required after a Rhinoplasty and most plastic and cosmetic surgeries IMHO. I use a long acting local anesthetic to block all the sensory nerves around the nose, so Rhinoplasty patients are capable of taking care of themselves the day after their Rhinoplasty. No nasal packing either. Your Rhinoplasty Surgeon will have their own ideas on the subject.
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Post rhinoplasty care

At least 48 hrs. By that time all the anesthetic drugs should have cleared your body. if you take pain killers you will not be able to operate any vehicles, I would suggest you have a back up driver in case an emergency where to take place.
Michel Siegel, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

houstonfaces.com

+1

24 to 48 hours of assistance is advisable

I would recommend you have assistance for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours. You will not be able to drive until you are off narcotics. You may need assistance with your daily activites until the anesthesia has worn off. Warmest regards. Dr. Pippin
Gregory Pippin, MD

New Orleans Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.pippinmd.com

Ask a question