Sleeping position after rhinoplasty?

Question

I had my rhinoplasty a week and two days ago. I literally cannot sleep unless I'm on my side. I'm 99% sure I'm not touching my nose against anything in my sleep I have been sleeping on my sides on and off for the past 5 days. Will this alter my final results of my procedure?

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear persiaprincessIn my practice, I recommend sleeping on your back the first 2 weeks. Then you can sleep on your side. If you notice more swelling on one side, sleep on the opposite side. Although I don't believe there is any hard evidence either way, I don't think it makes a difference in your final outcome. I do think you should be very careful the first 2 weeks.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks 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.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.It's too early to make value judgments with only 1 week after a rhinoplasty.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

To be honest with you, its best if you sleep on your back with your head elevated.  Sleeping on your side will increase swelling on the dependent side, and as swelling goes down, it will be noticeable that one side is more swollen than the other.  The other possible outcome is pressure and displacement of the nasal bones.  They take a few weeks to heal, so you may want to be careful.  I would ask your surgeon as they know what maneuvers were performed during your rhinoplasty and will be able to help guide you through the process.  I find often that with patients like yourself who have trouble sleeping on their sides (or even worse, like to sleep face down!), building a little incline from the lower back up to your head with pillows (much like the incline of a beach chair) works better at keeping them straight than just a few pillows behind your head.  Ask your surgeon if they have any suggestions for you. Congrats on your recent surgery by the way.  I hope you get the results you wanted.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

The reason patients are told to sleep on a few pillows after rhinoplasty  is to help with the swelling.With your head elevated, the swelling in the nose can follow gravity and drain to the body. If you sleep on your side, the swelling drains from one side and collects in the other, creating an uneven appearance that may take a long time to resolve. In addition, sleeping on your side can put harmful pressure on the nose. As with any post-operative instructions, sleep position is something to improve your chances for a better outcome and to avoid potential problems.

Alejandro Hernandez Pizzoglio, MD · Answer

Its not good for your recovery sleeping on sides... better should be 3 pillows on your back and facing up.You could have more swollen on sides  and results will take longer to show. Talk to your PS about it.RegardsDr hernandez Pizzoglio

Sleeping position after rhinoplasty?

Answers (6)

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