Feel pressure every time I rest my head on the side, laying down after rhinoplasty. Is this normal?

Question

Im 25 day post op. Everytime when i lay down in bed and turn my face, i feel presssure on the nose towards the direction i turn to. For example, if im laying down and turn my face to the right, i feel a heavy push on the right side of my nose. Is that normal?

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Hang in there! As long as the shape and swelling are improving week to week, however slowly, there is still hope for the final outcome. Ask you plastic surgeon if there would be any benefit to taping or a steroid injection that can help speed your recovery. It takes over a year to realize the final results of rhinoplasty. Think of it this way, one millimeter of swelling would not even be noticeable in a breast augmentation. One millimeter may be the whole difference between success and failure in a rhinoplasty. It will take well over a year before that last millimeter of swelling has gone away and right now there is even more swelling as it is still very early.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It is very normal to be swollen at 1 month postoperative.  The dorsal aspect of the bridge of the nose will usually decrease earlier than the nasal tip swelling.  Nasal tip swelling can sometimes take 6-12 months to fully resolve.  I advise patients that the final result of rhinoplasty takes 12 months. If you had an open rhinoplasty, the nasal tip swelling may take 1-2 years to resolve.  I recommend decreased salt intake and patience. I recommend sleeping on your back with three pillow elevation until the pain has resolved.  I recommend that you return to see your surgeon, as he/she will have a good idea of what to expect in regards to your specific progress, since they can evaluate you in relation to your preoperative appearance.Best wishes and good luck.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Sleeping
with the head higher than the heart helps to markedly decrease the amount of
swelling and bruising. Lifting more than
five to ten pounds for the first two weeks is also prohibited following
surgery.I suggest you review your recovery guidelines with your board certified facial plastic surgery - a credential that ensures patients are receiving the highest quality knowledge, treatment, care and skill available.

Feel pressure every time I rest my head on the side, laying down after rhinoplasty. Is this normal?

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