When is It Safe to Sleep Flat After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I know you should sleep at a 30-45 degree angle immediately after surgery to reduce swelling, but sleeping that way has become painful and I always wake up after two hour intervals only to try to fall back to sleep. Is it safe to resume normal sleeping after one week post-op?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Dear southeast22Thanks for the question. In general, I advice to my Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty patients to sleep in a position in which their head is elevated with two or three pillows to minimise the swelling and bruises and also it is easier for breathing. For your case you'd better share your problem about sleeping and I am sure he/she will give you better advice. I wish you all the best

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

In general I allow my rhinoplasty patients to resume the supine or flat position after 3-5 days it they are comfortable to do so.
This is something that you should ask your plastic surgeon as every plastic surgeon has a different routine for postoperative managment.

John Diaz, MD · Answer

I am not the surgeon who performed your surgery, thus my recommendations may not apply to you.
However, for my patients, I tell them to sleep upright for the first 2-3 days. I understand it is difficult to sleep comfortably that way. Thus, I tell my patients they can resume to sleep flat after about 3 days.
Before doing anything, you should ask your surgeon.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

After a week, it is important to get a good night of sleep in any position.  Rolling around in different positions will not affect the shape of the nose.

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

Your sleep is important. If you have tried using pillows to elevate your head or sleeping in a recliner but still can't sleep well, you should be able to sleep in the position that is best for you now that one week has passed since your surgery. However, consult your surgeon first, as s/he knows your history.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I recommend head elevation for one week after surgery. This has obviously caused problems. Simply using two pillows for another two weeks may be helpful. Keeping your head above your chest while sleeping will minimize facial swelling.

When is It Safe to Sleep Flat After Rhinoplasty?

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