Sleeping on Your Side After Rhinoplasty

Question

I've just had rhinoplasty a few days ago and want to know if I can sleep on the side of my face, albeit at 45 degrees? Because this sleeping directly on the back of my head is killing me. It's so painful, it feels like someone slap a board against my skull and it also leaves me face swollen for some reason. Please advise.

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

It is not typically problematic for you to sleep on your side
after your rhinoplasty surgery. Still, I would strongly advise to be as careful
as possible especially during the initial week of your recovery. Try to avoid
too much movement so this can cause your nose to bump into your bed or pillow.
Actually, my best recommendation would be to sleep with 2 or 3 pillows under
your head. Not only will this likely be more comfortable, but sleeping with
your head elevated promotes blood circulation to the nose and can thus reduce
bruising and swelling.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Dear calicoreyThanks 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.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Recommendations for sleeping position following rhinoplasty
vary from surgeon to surgeon and depend upon a multitude of variables.In the vast majority of patients we recommend
sleeping in a recliner chair with the head elevated for at least a week
following surgery.This approach helps
minimize post-operative swelling and avoids inadvertent trauma to the
nose.Unfortunately, when patients are
side sleeping, they may not be aware of pressure that they’re applying to their
nose.This pressure has the potential to
displace nasal bones and damage the surgical result.It’s
important to realize that each patient’s situation is unique.For this reason, the management of this
problem occasionally needs to be modified.If you’re unable to sleep on your back, consultation with your plastic
surgeon is appropriate.Your surgeon
should be able to develop an alternative strategy.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

I prefer that my rhinoplasty patients sleep with their head above their heart and in a midline position.  This reduces swelling and nasal congestion, and minimizes chances of bumping your nose in the first week after the procedure.  Sleeping preferentially on one side can also lead to some asymmetry in swelling and bruising.  This generally will not affect your long term result, but can cause short term anxiety.
I would suggest buying an inflatable travel pillow in order to keep your head in the midline.  Good luck with your recovery.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It really depends on what your surgeon tells you.  I ask my patients to lay on their back with their head elevated for the first 2-3 days.  After that they can lay flat.  I dont want them laying on their side as they may roll onto their face until 2 weeks after surgery.  But I know that this may be on the conservative side.
Every surgeon has different routine postoperatively so you need to contact your surgeon to see what the recommendations are.
Good luck.

Sleeping on Your Side After Rhinoplasty

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Sleeping on Your Side After Rhinoplasty

Answers (10)

Answer: Listen to your surgeon

Answer: Listen to your surgeon

Answer: Rhinoplasty Postop

Answer: Rhinoplasty Postop

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.