How necessary is it to sleep on my back while upright after rhinoplasty? Would keeping my splint on longer help with healing?

Question

I’ve been trying to sleep upright and on my back to prepare for what is expected after surgery, but I am really struggling. I’ve tried reclining chairs, propping pillows around my body, using an airplane pillow, etc. However, I always wake up part way through the night in pain. I think I can handle being propped up on my side, but not my back. How much will this impact my recovery? Also, I will be off for a month after my surgery. Would it benefit me to keep my splint on for more than a week?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You can recover on your side, but the key is to keep your head above the level of your chest after rhinoplasty. No one in 20 years has affected their healing while asleep after rhinoplasty. Don't worry. Dr Joseph

John K. Wakelin III, MD, FACS · Answer

Since each rhinoplasty surgery is different, I strongly recommend following your surgeon's postoperative instructions.  I typically recommend that my patients sleep with their head elevated for the first 2-3 nights to help decrease swelling.  I also remove splints after a week in most cases.  Nonetheless, your surgeon may have reasons to recommend different postoperative care, so you should follow his or her recommendations.  Best of luck!

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Each doctor's post op recommendations are different, for my patients I recommend sleeping on their back with elevated position for the first week, so that the swellings go down with the help of the gravitation. They should keep sleeping on their back for two more months to protect their noses. The cast is removed 7 days after discharging from the hospital. To find out more please click on the attached link.Best Regards

Guncel Ozturk, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hey there,
We surgeons know that the first week after the operation can be really annoying for the patients. Just hang on few days then you should be good to sleep on your side as long as you be careful not to bump the nose. Best of luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It is important to sleep on your back with your head elevated after rhinoplasty.  It’s not comfortable but it is important.  Time off work and time to keep the splint on will be up to your surgeon.  I leave the splint on for one week.

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

I'm impressed by your preparation.  Rarely do I see patients do this, so I applaud you for preparing.  Sleeping with your head propped up on a couple of pillows helps reduce the "blood rushing to your head" which can make rhinoplasty recovery a bit of a nuisance at times due to the nasal drainage.  Other than that, I think even if you were to lay on your side, as long as you don't bump your nose, you should be just fine.  Good luck with you surgery.Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic
Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. It is recommended to sleep upright at least a few days after surgery. It is not necessary to remain in that position for your entire recovery process. You may sleep on your side as long as you are aware of not injuring your nose. Very smart of you to start training for post op. Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

Adam E. Singleton, MD · Answer

Hello - sleeping upright on your back is best after rhinoplasty because it minimizes the risk of applying pressure to the nose after surgery. This also prevents swelling from accumulating around the nose and will help improve healing. How long the cast is applied to the nose after surgery is dependent upon the surgery, but in my practice splints and casts are removed about 1 week post-op. Good luck!
-Dr. Singleton

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Its more important to get a good night of sleep than worry about what position you're going to be sleeping in after rhinoplasty procedure. Anticipate a cast applied across the bridge of the nose for one week, and visible bruising and swelling for two weeks. We ask our patients to refrain from any exercise for two weeks and avoid contact sports for one month after rhinoplasty procedure. A low salt diet will help with swelling.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

You ask very important questions but I strongly feel it is inappropriate for us to make recommendations. Every procedure is different and each surgeon has their own routine. Follow your physician's instructions to achieve the best possible results.

How necessary is it to sleep on my back while upright after rhinoplasty? Would keeping my splint on longer help with healing?

Answers (10)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Does the skin on your nose change after a rhinoplasty?

Can I fix the “squishy” end to my nose? Follow-up question (Photo)

How long before/after rhinoplasty can I have laser hair removal to upper lip area?

What does taping after rhinoplasty EXACTLY do? Could taping at 2 months and a half help in thick skinned patients?

Does a nose with lots of graft look fake in real life?

Can asymmetrical cartilage on my nose domes be fixed? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS