Can I sleep on my side after rhinoplasty? 3 weeks post op.

Question

it's hard for me to sleep on my back with my head over my heart. I usually sleep on my side, is it okay to sleep on my side after three weeks post op? Will this affect my end result of my nose?

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Post surgery, some adjustments are essential in order to have a  successful outcome.  That said, some changes to one's usual routine can present a challenge for some post rhinoplasty patients.  The preference would be to sleep on your back, however, it is ok to sleep on your side as long as you don't roll over in your sleep onto your face.  I would suggest using a neck pillow, the kind used on airplanes, to help support your neck and keep it in a propped position to prevent rolling onto your face.  Hope this helps and that you have a smooth recovery.Dr. Philip Solomon

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Dear jjulianargThanks 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.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Getting restful sleep after rhinoplasty is important, and sleeping on your side may not lead to permanent changes in your nasal appearance. If you sleep on your side, you may notice more swelling on the side closest to your pillow in the morning, but that should dissipate at the end of your day. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Roberto E. Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I perform this procedure quite often and can tell you with all my experience that the nose is poor at resolving its swelling,  I recommend to my patients that they stay elevated for at least a month to help this swelling.  If sleeping on your back becomes daunting as the body naturally gravitates to its sides, I recommend placing a pillow under your knees at night and that will at least remind you not to turn too much. I hope this helps.

Artemus Cox, MD · Answer

Usually by three weeks, it is OK to resume your normal sleeping condition. However each rhinoplasty is unique. There may be certain maneuvers your surgeon did for which he or she wishes you to be extremely careful of any potential trauma.  Sleeping on your side, you may be at a little more risk of burying your nose in your pillow which could alter the fragile postoperative nose.  this is likely a question best answered by your surgeon.

Richard A. Zoumalan, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has their own recommendations. We recommend most patients sleep on their back, with head elevated until patients have have completed the one month post op. Sleeping on your back, with your head elevated, is the optimal position in order to reduce swelling. Continue to follow your post operative instructions, and if you  have any further concerns, I recommend discussing them with your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually by three weeks you are safe to sleep on your side. You are best to review this with your surgeon to make sure.

Anup Patel, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

It should be okay to sleep on your side. You can always wear a splint for added protection. You should always consult your surgeon.

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

It takes six weeks until the bones have healed completely post rhinoplasty.  At three weeks post rhinoplasty fixation of the nasal bones is pretty well established and will not distort with gentle pressure.  However, utilizing an abundance of caution, you should do your best to sleep on your back for six weeks.  No one rhinoplasty is the same and everyone heals at different rates and you should consult with the surgeon that did the rhinoplasty.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

Sleeping on your side at three weeks after a rhinoplasty should be safe and ok for most people to do.  I have my patients wear an external splint at night for the first month to help protect the nose during sleep.  Discuss this with your surgeon and good luck.

Can I sleep on my side after rhinoplasty? 3 weeks post op.

Answers (14)

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