What to expect after your Rhinoplasty Surgery
Kyle S. Choe, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon, Virginia Beach, VA

• There will be a splint on your nose – it must remain in place during the healing process.
• Soft packing will be left in your nose overnight or for 24 hours.
• You will experience some swelling (puffiness), bruising and mild discomfort.
• Oral pain medication will be given to manage the discomfort effectively.
• Any discomfort you may experience will diminish over a few days time.
• Bruising varies from patient to patient – but usually subsides within 6-7 days.
• Dr. Choe requires that you limit your activities – until healing is complete.
• You should not lift, bend, stoop or perform any strenuous activities until Dr. Choe releases you to do so.
• You should not blow your nose for several days – or until Dr. Choe says it’s o.k.
• You must take the medications and use the Arnica and Vitamin C as prescribed by Dr. Choe and per instructions from our office.
• If you wear reading glasses – we will show you how to do so without letting them rest on the bridge of your nose – please be sure to discuss this with us.
• Sun exposure, over exertion, getting fatigued or risking injury of any kind – must be avoided until Dr. Choe and our staff advises you otherwise.
• You will need to sleep with the head of your bed elevated or by using 2-3 pillows for a few weeks.
• Have a mature adult drive you home – and stay with you for a couple days after   surgery.
• Plan to eat a modified diet – soft foods for several days. Avoid hard/tough foods.
• It is most important to keep your follow-up appointments so that your progress can be well monitored.
• Plan to rest quietly in bed with your head elevated – for 1-2 days post surgery.
• You may gently wash your face with a soft cloth on your first day after surgery – and gently swish to clean your mouth and teeth.
• Do not bathe or shower until we say you can do so.
• You should be looking presentable to return to work in about 5-7 days.

What to expect while you are healing:

• There will be bruising and swelling on your nose and below your eyes.
• Numbness is common in various areas of your nose – it goes away.
• There may be a temporary loss of smell and taste – this is temporary.
• Your final results evolve over several weeks time.
• We will schedule your follow-up appointments so they are convenient for you and also to allow us to monitor your progress and enjoy the results with you!

After You’re Healed – you can expect wonderful results because you’ve chosen to place your care into the hands of a Board Certified Specialist – Dr. Choe is an expert in everything that concerns your nose.

Dr. Choe is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery