This guide is for anyone who plans to have Rhinoplasty in Korea who wants to know more about recovery.
Having Rhinoplasty in Korea can be quite a journey, especially after the procedure, when recovery is needed. You will have to be in Korea for at least a part of it.
To help you have a good post-op time in Korea, we will cover some essentials about recovering from Rhinoplasty in Korea, such as:
- What is Rhinoplasty recovery timeline
- What to expect from recovery after Rhinoplasty in Korea
- Is Rhinoplasty recovery different in Korea
- Tips on speeding up recovery after Rhinoplasty in Korea
- And more
This guide will provide you with some essential information about Rhinoplasty recovery. It can be a useful tool pre-surgery and post-surgery too.
We know that you are probably eager to see the final results of your Rhinoplasty. However, there is still a way to go and a successful recovery should be your top priority.
During this time, there are steps you can take to ensure a safe recovery as well as to speed up the recovery.
On average, it takes about 1 year to fully recover from Rhinoplasty. The recovery varies from patient to patient, but you can expect something like this:
- 2-3 days after surgery: Expect swelling and bruising. This along with pain is normal for a few days after surgery
- 1 week after surgery: You will have your stitches removed as well as your splint. Some swelling and bruising might still be present but you can begin returning to daily activities
- 2 weeks after surgery: Most of the swelling and bruising should subside by now
- 3-4 weeks after surgery: You can slowly begin exercising but be cautious and take it slow
- 6 weeks after surgery: You can now resume strenuous activities, wearing glasses, blowing your nose, etc. However, some numbness in your nose can still be present
- 3-6 months after surgery: Any loss of sensation and any numbness should all be gone by now
- 1 year after surgery: Healing is complete and you can finally see the shape of your new nose
After every Rhinoplasty, you will most likely get a nose splint, that helps your nose heal for the first few days. Here is how it usually looks:
Now each clinic uses a different splint, but the function remains the same, so don’t worry about that.
You should note, that recovery differs a bit depending on which nose job you had. We have guides for different nose jobs in Korea posted here, so feel free to check them out.
What To Avoid
If you want to recover as fast as you can, these are the things you should avoid for a few weeks:
- Strenuous activity: Take it easy until week 6 or until your doctor clears you
- Sexual activity: Keep it light for around 3 days
- Laying for longer periods: We encourage walking every day durgin recovery – this is to avoid blood clots
- Blowing your nose: During the first few weeks of recovery, avoid this as much as you can
- Showering: This is only until your stint is removed. You can still wash the rest of your body, just not in the shower – you can use a damp cloth
- Wearing glasses and makeup: Both can cause issues if used, so avoid them for a few weeks.
- Touching your nose: Avoid any touching or bumping your nose during recovery. It can cause damage and even change the shape of your new nose
- Certain medication: Painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, so try using alternatives for pain management
Of course, this all varies from patient to patient. We recommend that you strictly follow the instructions you got from your surgeon.
Is Rhinoplasty Recovery Different In Korea?
Generally speaking, recovery after Rhinoplasty in Korea is pretty much the same as in the Western clinic.
The only difference here is that when having Rhinoplasty in Korea, you will have to spend at least a week there, so you can’t go home immediately after the surgery.
Korean clinics also often provide personalized post-surgery care. This includes frequent follow-ups, special treatments like light therapy to reduce swelling, etc.
Since there are lots of foreign patients in Korea for nose jobs, Korean clinics put a lot of effort into international-friendly post-surgery care.
On the negative side, most extra treatments cost extra. Of course, basic treatments that are essential for a safe recovery are always included in the price.
So, Rhinoplasty recovery in Korea depends from clinic to clinic and on how much you are willing to pay extra.
Nevertheless, you will get all the essential care after your nose job, so that you can have a safe recovery.
Stay In Korea After Rhinoplasty
Now the duration of your stay in Korea, like other things, can vary from case to case. However, we recommend a stay of a minimum of 7 days after your surgery.
The reason for the 7-day minimum is the removal of your splint and stitches. It’s essential you have them removed before flying back home.
What To Do During Your Stay In Korea
During your time in Korea, the best thing you can do is rest as much as you can and take it easy. Avoid doing what is mentioned above.
However, since walking is a great tool for a good recovery, we do recommend going out for walks.
Koreans are used to seeing people recovering after plastic surgery since it’s very popular there, so you won’t get many looks.
After your surgery, when you feel okay, you can do some sightseeing, visit shopping malls, do window shopping, try new foods, etc.
You can also choose to take on the famous Cheonggyecheon stream, which runs through Seoul, It’s 11km long and a perfect walk through the city after your surgery.
You can also find some great recommendations on what to do in Seoul here.
Follow-Ups
During your time in Korea, you should plan at least one follow-up visit after the surgery. This is besides the one you have for the removal of your stitches and splint.
These follow-ups are so that the surgeons can track your recovery and so that you can address any questions you might have.
They are usually included in the price of your surgery, so they don’t cost extra. However, any follow-ups that are not meant as a check-up, are usually a few extra bucks.
After you return home, you can continue recovery and have follow-up visits with your selected doctor.
Plenty of clinics also offer online meetings, so surgeons can track your recovery even after you return home. These are typically free of charge.
Tips For Speeding Up Recovery After Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty recovery is quite a process that takes some time. However, during your recovery, there are a few things you can do that can speed it up.
Doing these things can not only speed up recovery but ensure it goes by smoothly and safely. Here is what we recommend you do:
Listen To Your Doctor
You will get detailed instructions from your surgeon about the recovery after Rhinoplasty. It’s important that you follow these instructions.
There are over 100 articles on recovery after Rhinoplasty, but nothing beats instructions from your surgeon.
Plus, ask questions, as many as you can think of, about what you should or should not do during recovery.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Sleeping on your side can be quite uncomfortable after Rhinoplasty, plus it can prolong recovery and cause swelling and bruising. It can even displace your nose.
To avoid all this, elevate your head during the night and keep it elevated for about 6 weeks after surgery.
You can do this simply by stacking pillows, sleeping in a recliner, etc. If you turn while sleeping, you can use travel pillows around your neck or surround yourself with towels or extra pillows.
Stay Cool
Warm things like hot showers, hot soups and drinks, etc. are not your friend during Rhinoplasty recovery. They can cause swelling.
Stick to lukewarm showers, maintain a cool or room temperature food diet, and stay out of extreme heat in the following weeks after your surgery.
You can also use a cold compress that will reduce swelling and bruising. However, don’t apply it directly to your nose – use your cheeks instead.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet after a nose job can significantly aid recovery. Protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and nuts help rebuild tissue.
Vitamins, such as vitamins A and C are also crucial – Vitamin A boosts immunity (spinach, kale, etc.), while Vitamin C supports collagen production (citrus fruits and broccoli).
A nutrient-rich diet helps the body heal faster and fight potential infections post-surgery.
Be Patient
The most important advice we can give regarding recovery after Rhinoplasty is to be patient.
Rhinoplasty recovery is a long process, that takes up to 1 year. You will heal eventually and have the Rhinoplasty results you want. Don’t try to rush anything.
Using tips form above won’t suddenly make your recovery take 1 month. However, it can speed up things as well as improve your post-surgery experience.
Conclusion
To sum it up, recovery after Rhinoplasty in Korea is not much different compared to recovery in Western clinics.
The best thing you can do is to be patient and follow your surgeon’s instructions. You can also use some of our tips to speed things up and make your post-surgery experience more manageable.
Recovery after a nose job is a long process that can take up to 1 year. However, after your fully heal, you will notice the final outline of your new nose.
If you have any more questions regarding recovery after Rhinoplasty in Korea, make sure to write to us at info@seoul.clinic. Our team has experience with nose jobs in Korea and can give you valuable tips.
FAQ
How long is the recovery after a nose job in Korea?
It can take up to 1 year for you to fully recover from a nose job. This is true not only for Korea but for Western clinics too.
Patients typically stay in Korea for about 7-10 days or until they get stitches and splint removed. After that, you can continue recovery at home following your surgeon’s instruction
How long should you rest after Rhinoplasty?
We recommend resting as much as you can but don’t ignore being active too. Walks are one of the best ways for you to speed-up recovery.
Patients usually return to daily activities such as work, school, etc. after 2 weeks. However, this depends from person to person.
How painful is Rhinoplasty recovery?
Recovery after Rhinoplasty is typically not very painful. You may feel some pressure and pain in your nose for the first few days.
You can take pain medication to relieve pain after the surgery. However, Rhinoplasty recovery is rather more uncomfortable than it is painful.