An internationally-known double-board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. P. Daniel Ward has addressed the aesthetic concerns of thousands of patients helping them restore and improve their self-confidence and self-esteem. Distinguished by attention to detail, a down-to-Earth approach, and a passion for his work, Dr. Ward is recognized as a top facial plastic surgeon around the world. Dr. Ward’s extensive educational credentials include a five-year residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery followed by completion of a Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship.

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Rhinoplasty is a life-changing procedure that improves the lives of many patients. Whether for cosmetic issues, injury repair, or to improve the function of your nose, it is important to know that regardless of an open, closed, or non-surgical approach, it is a process that takes time. To properly prepare for a rhinoplasty procedure, Haute Beauty expert Dr. P. Daniel Ward tells all – from the first step to the last. 

How do you properly prep for rhinoplasty? 

The first step in adequately preparing for rhinoplasty is knowing the expectations. Conversing with your surgeon’s team about what to expect is essential. 

What do you have to avoid before rhinoplasty?

Ideally, any medications that can lead to increased bleeding or bruising should be avoided. These include aspirin, ibuprofen products, and many herbal medicines. Your surgeon and the operating room team should contact you and let you know about these medications.

What do you have to avoid after rhinoplasty? 

It is typically recommended that people try to do whatever they can to minimize trauma to the nose. That may mean avoiding pullover shirts, avoiding contact with infants or toddlers whose heads may hit the nose, ensuring that a spouse or loved one doesn’t bump the nose while sleeping, avoiding sleeping on your stomach, etc. In terms of exercise, you typically need to take it easy for one to two weeks. However, you can do some light exercise starting on day one, including a gentle walk. Then, after one or two weeks have passed, you can slowly increase your physical activity.

 

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How much swelling should one expect? 

This is highly variable. Factors affecting swelling include how your body handles the trauma of rhinoplasty surgery or what needs to be performed. Generally, the more that needs to be done, the more trauma is endured. 

How long will it take to see the final results?

The final results don’t typically occur until one to two years after surgery. The prolonged recovery is because of the swelling of the nose and the scar tissue that needs to develop and evolve. Typically, the nose will heal close to its final shape within the first one to four months, but there will be changes over the next 12 to 24 months. 

Will your nose cartilage remain hard or soften on the tip of your nose after it is healed? 

Usually, the nose will soften up with time; however, the surgeon is often adding cartilage to better support the nose or shape it, which will lead to increased firmness of the nose that is permanent.