Nose reshaping with rib cartilage differs from silicone rhinoplasty because surgery is done in 2 areas, an incision under the breast crease and the rhinoplasty itself. So aftercare is important, and it helps to prepare properly so the incisions heal well.
Recovery After Silicone Rhinoplasty and Rib Rhinoplasty
Rib rhinoplasty
Silicone rhinoplasty
Incision sites
2 (nose and chest)
1
Swelling
7 to 10 days
5 to 7 days
Pain
Moderate to severe
Mild to moderate
Recovery period
5 to 7 days
3 to 7 days
Final shape visible
6 to 12 months
3 to 6 months
Rhinoplasty recovery after rib cartilage surgery needs careful aftercare. Follow your surgeon’s advice closely to help the nose heal well and support a long-lasting result.
1 to 3 days after surgery you will have some pain and swelling around the incisions.
Get plenty of rest and sleep.
Sleep with your head raised on pillows to reduce swelling.
Take medicines as prescribed by the surgeon.
Apply cold compresses around the nose 4 to 6 times a day, for 15 to 20 minutes each time.
Clean the area gently.
Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of clean water.
Eat soft food that is easy to digest.
Do not smoke, lift heavy things, blow your nose or keep your head down for long periods.
4 to 7 days, pain improves
Swelling goes down by 30% to 40%, and you may only feel some aching.
The incisions start to dry and scab, and bruising fades.
The cotton packing is removed, which makes breathing easier.
Apply cold compresses 2 to 3 times a day.
You can shower, but keep the incisions away from water.
Avoid exercise or heavy exertion.
If you wear glasses, pad the nose pads with tissue paper.
Be careful with movements that may touch the nose.
14 to 30 days you can return to normal daily life.
Continue to avoid strenuous activities and swimming. Light exercise is fine.
The nose shape is clearer. You may feel slight itching and tightness at the tip.
You can wear glasses for no more than 30 minutes at a time.
Gently massage around the nose to reduce swelling, and eat nutritious, high-protein food.
Do not drink alcohol yet.
60 to 90 days the nose shape becomes clearer.
Swelling goes down and the incisions on the nose and chest start to heal well.
The chest scar fades.
The nose shape is clearer.
Apply scar cream and gently massage the nose to help soften the tissue.
Avoid activities or sports with a risk of contact to the nose, such as football and basketball.
150 to 365 days the nose shape fully settles.
The swelling has gone and the nose shape is clear and stable.
The chest scar fades until it is hard to see.
Tips to Support Recovery
Sleep at least 8 to 10 hours a day, and sleep with your head raised for the first 14 days after rhinoplasty.
Eat high-protein foods such as eggs, fish, chicken and beans, add minerals and vitamins from foods such as oranges and papaya, eat foods with zinc such as seafood or beef, and eat green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach or cabbage.
Drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water a day to help the body flush out waste.
S45 Clinic, Soi Sukhumvit 33, Bangkok. This article is published by S45 Clinic as general information and is not a medical diagnosis. Please see a doctor for an assessment before receiving any treatment.
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