Dos and don’ts after nose surgery

The bandages are off, your Maltesers Buttons stash has finally come to an end and after re-watching Pretty Little Liars, you still don’t know who `A` is! After two weeks of rest, and you are more than likely begging for your normal life back. But how do you know you’re ready, besides the 300+ group chat messages telling you so? Follow our tips below to make sure you get the best out of your nose surgery results (no gin spared).

1. Can I drink alcohol after nose surgery?

There are no rules to say you can’t drink after nose surgery but take it easy. After being in slippers for two weeks, it’s only normal that you are dying to open a bottle of pink Gordon’s with your girls. But wait. With your system in full rest mode, you need to make sure you keep hydrated and most importantly- listen to your body when it tells you it’s had enough. Your body has been through a lot, and everything is working extra hard to heal your gorg new nose. Try having a soft drink after each alcoholic one and go for soda water with lots of ice whenever you can.

DON’T

If you’re still taking painkillers, always read the box carefully and consult your surgeon if you have any doubts about drinking after nose surgery while taking them. Some surgeons recommend avoiding aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen for 2 weeks after surgery, so it may be that you can take some but not others. Aside from the drugs, make sure you have a designated girlfriend (much like a designated driver) to look out for you while you’re out. It may sound silly, but alcohol can throw your self-awareness off and you really don’t want to bash/fall on your nose!

2. Can I go to the gym after nose surgery?

Getting those endorphins pumping again can only do good things to your mood, especially after you’ve been horizontal for the best part of your recovery period. Not only that, people who are physically fit and healthy often heal and get better quicker than those who don’t. When it comes to going to the gym after nose surgery, take it slow. If you’re feeling unsure of how your body will respond to exercise, take a friend with you. She can ply you with coffee, snacks, and offer a hand if you start to feel tired! Alternatively, book in with a personal trainer to guide you on the areas you should be avoiding and those that are fair game. It's important that you get discharged from your surgeon before doing ANY exercise.

DON’T

Push yourself too hard. If you’re a gym shark, you’ll know how quickly you can lose muscle tone and that your general fitness levels will decline slightly if you miss too many days. Don’t panic! Most people need at least 6-8 weeks before they can start to exercise properly again after nose surgery. Recovery isn’t a race and your nose surgery results will reflect how well you look after yourself in the time after the procedure. Also, think about the kind of exercise you do and how you can keep your nose protected while getting your usual sweat on. For example, be careful if you are lifting weights near your face (i.e. during a chest press) or ask your yoga teacher to show you adapted versions of floor work poses. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

3. Can I smoke after nose surgery?

It’s always best to ask your surgeon for advice before smoking e-cigs or cigarettes. Because smoking involves pursing of the lips, it can wrinkle and disrupt the bottom of the nose (or septum area). This may affect the recovery of your nasal tissues. You may also feel some numbness in your top lip, especially if you have had your tip reshaped- so extra care needs to be taken when lighting cigs with no hands (unless you want a fancy carpet fire). Here's some more tips about nose surgery recovery.

DON’T

Our surgeons recommend that you give up smoking for 2 weeks before surgery, and 2 weeks after surgery. This is largely to do with the amount your nose bleeds after surgery and smoking less can help to minimise it. Many surgeons believe smoking in the early days after surgery can affect your results too. Let’s be honest, what’s the point of having nose surgery if it isn’t your dream nose?

4. Can I go on holiday after nose surgery?

Make sure your wounds and stitches are kept dry, even when you’re in the pool. Getting your gorg new nose wet could prolong your recovery period, and although it’s boring sitting on the side, it’s just not worth it! For further advice on going on holiday after nose surgery, see `can I drink alcohol after nose surgery? `.

DON’T

Although it’s tempting, don’t run before you can walk. It is important that you wait 4 weeks before flying short-haul, and 8 weeks before flying long-haul (following the advice from your nurse). There’s no cheating recovery, no matter how keen you are to fill your grid with every beach in Split! Not only will you be away from the care of your patient advisor and surgeon, but you could also increase the risk of sinus blockage by travelling on a plane too early. Take it from us- it’s best to wait until you can fly, jump in a pool, wear sunglasses, and dance with your girls with no limits!

5. Can I use sunbeds after nose surgery?

We don't recommend hopping on sunbeds after nose surgery. But if you must use them, you should aim to protect the entire nose with a good SPF. Top tip? Wear plasters over your scars. Most importantly, make sure you wait 6 months to one year (following the advice of your surgeon).

DON’T

You need to be very cautious when using sunbeds after nose surgery. If your surgical scars are exposed, there is risk of hyperpigmentation. This means the skin under your septum (or wherever your incisions are) may darken or change colour. Your surgeon will be able to offer you further guidance if you need it.

At Transform

Each year, we guide thousands of women and men through nose surgery. Our expert surgeons, nurses, and patient advisors are dedicated to making your experience as enjoyable and memorable as possible. We’re always ready to answer your questions, no matter how big or small.