Rhinoplasty is a delicate procedure on the most prominent feature on your face: your nose. After the procedure, your doctor will share a wealth of instructions to guide healing through the recovery process. One thing is for sure: being gentle with your face is key to beautiful results. It’s normal for your face to appear puffy and irritated, and any sudden movements or excessive pressure can cause extreme pain.
So how do you adjust your skincare routine for recovery during rhinoplasty? Here’s what you need to know:
Cleanse with caution
Often, we cleanse are face starting with our nose and work outward. However, bandages will cover this area and it’s critical that you should avoid getting the bandages wet. Instead, soak a cotton pad with micellar water and sweep it across your face and around the bandages to remove excess oil and bacteria. This is a very controlled way to cleanse your face without splashing water. Another option is to use a face wipe but be mindful that these shouldn’t be used every day.
Once your bandages are removed, continue to be gentle with your face as it’ll still be sensitive. Use a mild, fragrance-free formula so it doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry.
Moisturize continuously
A fragrance-free moisturizer will be your best friend here because your skin will crave ingredients to help it heal – just be sure to avoid pressing too hard as it could cause adjustments made during rhinoplasty to shift. And just like with cleansing, avoid getting the product too close to your bandages. We recommend looking for a moisturizer with ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or sunflower seed oil – all ingredients that promote skin healing.
Once your bandages are removed, you’ll want to use a lightweight barrier repair cream to aid the healing process.
Know that blemishes will temporarily take over your face
After the bandages are removed from your face, chances are your skin may be covered in blackheads. This is normal after rhinoplasty because oil gets clogged in your nose’s pores under the bandages. Whatever you do – don’t pick the blackheads! Remember, your nose is very sensitive and will be for a while. You want to avoid placing excess pressure on this area for a few weeks post-operation.
Related to this, refrain from using scrubs, pore strips, or other harsh exfoliants which can create unnecessary excess pressure on the skin. Instead, continue to nourish your skin with moisturizers. After a month, introduce acids – such as a salicylic-based cleanser – to unclog pores and rid your skin of blackheads.
Don’t skip sunscreen
After surgery, avoid direct sun exposure for a bit and even though you’ll be out of the sun, always use sunscreen. Rays can be transmitted through windows or when opening the door to the outside. We recommend using a non-comedogenic, mineral-based sunscreen.
Patients seeking rhinoplasty look to Dr. Burke Robinson for his 30 years of expertise as a surgeon who is Double Board Certified in both Facial Plastics and Otolaryngology (ENT). To help with your post-surgery skincare plan, our licensed esthetician, Heather Davis, can help. Contact us for a consultation.
