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

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Typically, a patient will not actually put pressure on their nose - even when sleeping - because the pressure causes an uncomfortable sensation and you tend to adjust off of it.Having said that, you still could affect the result so it is best to check with your surgeon. Often times the bones are "moldable" for a period of time after surgery. Only your surgeon can specifically advise you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to go see you chosen operative surgeon today for follow up examination to see if anything was moved!

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for reaching out. I would stop sleeping face down immediately and let your surgeon know what has occurred and when. Although, if there is damage to the repair, it has already occurred, but still is a very important item to mention. If there is some damage to the repair, your surgeon will instruct you on what can be done, if there is a remedy. Best Wishes.

Brian Arslanian, MD · Answer

HiThat is not something i would recommend.  Depends on whether you had pressure on the nose itself.  I would let your surgeon know at your first visit.  There is nothing you can do about it right now, I would definitely stop sleeping face down though.  Good Luck"The above answer has been given without seeing this
patient and cannot be substituted for actual in-person examination and medical
advice; it is only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical
professional for appropriate care."

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)

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