I slept face down, 6 days after Rhinoplasty. I'm not entirely swollen and not in pain or anything. Would my results be affected?

Question

I had my sides narrowed and a bridge augmentation done. The swelling is down a lot since about 4 days post op, I only feel slight pulsing under my splint. My surgeon said it would likely take a lot of force to accidentally move it at this point however. If it were the case that my bones were moved and are in an undesirable position from where they should be, can they be set back in place in office (generally speaking)?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Don't worry, it is unlikely that you did any damage.  It is very normal to be swollen in the immediate postoperative period.  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.  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 luckRichard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained Plastic Surgeon

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, douglas_. It is good news that you have not experienced any swelling after sleeping face down. I suggest you sleep with your head elevated and consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon to review their recovery recommendations. Best wishes,

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

In general it is not recommended to sleep face down so soon after a rhinoplasty.  Your splint will be coming off soon so your surgeon can determine if it had any detrimental effects.

Andrew L. Greensmith, MBChB, FRACS · Answer

It is not ideal to sleep face down so early. Your splint should protect you reasonable well for the first week. It is doubtful things could be reset in the office if the nose has moved but more likely you would need another minor surgery .

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  While it is unlikely you moved your nasal bones significantly, I usually do not recommend sleeping face down for quite some time after having a rhinoplasty.  Moving the nasal bones will cause pain, but you may want to let your surgeon know that you slept face downward.  In general, I would wait 4-6 weeks before putting pressure on your nose, and I would discuss this further with your surgeon for their recommendation as well.  I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

I slept face down, 6 days after Rhinoplasty. I'm not entirely swollen and not in pain or anything. Would my results be affected?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sleeping position

Answer: Sleeping position

Answer: Head Position while Asleep

Answer: Head Position while Asleep

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.

I slept face down, 6 days after Rhinoplasty. I'm not entirely swollen and not in pain or anything. Would my results be affected?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sleeping position

Answer: Sleeping position

Answer: Head Position while Asleep

Answer: Head Position while Asleep

Browse related questions

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.