There is a lot of sticky stuff over the bridge of my nose. Can i clean it?

Yes. Often the adhesive for the dressings can stay around for a few days after removal. You can very gently use a baby face flannel soaked in mild soapy water (and well wrung out) to clean the skin. Be cautious if you have had an incision across the base of the nose (between nostrils). This line should not be disturbed.

My dressings are off but my nose is still blocked. Can i clean it yet?

Yes. But only using douches of salt water.

Nothing goes up the nose except salt water. Do not use cotton buds or other homemade instruments up the nose.

They will very likely interfere with the small incisions up inside the nose and may lead to serious infection.

My nose looks swollen. It’s not what i hoped for after my surgery. What’s wrong?

Usually nothing. The nose swelling after rhinoplasty can take up to 10-12 months to completely settle. Most of the swelling reduces in the first 3 months, and less so after that. Refinement of the nasal soft tissue will occur, but can take time. Discuss any concerns at your post-op appointments.

I need to attend a function. How long does the bruising take to disappear?

Most bruising settles significantly in the first 2 weeks but may still be visible. Makeup can be used to cover these areas.

Now that my dressing is off, can i wear sunglasses and play sport?

No. The nasal bones take up to 6 weeks to fuse completely. Prior to that they are easily bent by heavy (fashion) sunglasses and this may cause a less than ideal result. If you must wear prescription glasses, they should be handheld, or suspended from the forehead with LEUKOPLAST tape. Contacts are helpful if you have them.

Any ball sports (also children’s heads and large pets for that matter) can be risky for displacing the nasal bones as well. Heavy exercise should be delayed until after review by Dr Floreani.

Can i go out in the sun now that my dressings are off?

Yes. But after a rhinoplasty, the skin is extremely sensitive. It is highly recommended that you use a hat to shade the nose. Quality facial sunscreen can be used over the nasal skin and on any external incisions after week 2. Moisturisers such as Vitamin E cream are very helpful in the postoperative period particularly over any incision lines.