Sleeping on Your Side After Rhinoplasty

It is acceptable to sleep on the side of your face even at 30 to 45 degrees. It is very uncomfortable to sleep on your back, and it is a good idea to try to get a good night of sleep. It is preferable to keep the head and nose above the heart for swelling purposes in the immediate interim; however, this will not affect the longterm results of the rhinoplasty surgery.   Anticipate a cast applied across the bridge of the nose for 1 week, visible swelling and bruising for 2 weeks, however full healing is 1 year.

During a rhinoplasty, we commonly have to break the nose. Bones take 4-8 weeks to heal in their new location, so any trauma or pressure during this time could could cause bones to move and compromise the outcome. After surgery, it is helpful to sleep on 3 pillows to help with swelling, and typically I recommend that people sleep on their backs. While some of us who sleep on our sides barely move at night, some of us move a lot. If you know you are calm sleeper and don't really move and are confident you won't turn your head into your pillow or something else in a way that could put pressure on your nose, go for it. If in doubt, it's safest to keep sleeping on your back for at least 2-4 weeks if you can get used to it, but I know it's very hard for some. Best of luck!
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

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.