Noses

Useful recommendations after rhinoplasty

13 June, 2024 · Updated on 27 September 2026

Updated on 27 September 2026 • Reviewed by Dr. Gustavo Sordo, plastic surgeon

When a patient comes to our Plastic Surgery Clinic in Madrid to undergo rhinoplasty, they usually ask us their main questions. These often include questions about the postoperative period and helpful recommendations after rhinoplasty.

Want to go beyond theory? At Rhinoplasty in Madrid we explain the technique, the cases and the price (from €10.040).

What should we have at home after rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty , it's very useful to have a travel neck pillow at home to place around your neck so you can sleep without worrying about your head turning. This way, you'll stay on your back , which is the position you should sleep in for the first three weeks.

In addition, you will also need two or three comfortable pillows to place under your head, elevating it about 30 degrees . Therefore, we recommend sleeping with three pillows and a cervical pillow to prevent your head from turning.

Recommendations for the rhinoplasty patient

It's also essential to have lip balm or cocoa butter at home to keep your lips constantly moisturized. Patients who have undergone rhinoplasty will need to breathe through their mouths very frequently, and this can irritate and dry out the lip and oral mucosa.

On the other hand, it's a good idea to have some entertainment material —magazines, books, or movies—for the first two or three days. During this short period, you'll feel a bit tired and won't feel like going out; this is also when the swelling is at its peak . Afterward, the swelling will begin to subside, and you'll feel more inclined to go out.

To allow the patient to purchase the medication before the procedure , without having to go to the pharmacy upon discharge from the hospital, it will be prescribed in advance. This pain medication consists of analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics.

We also recommend buying sterile salt water at the pharmacy , such as "Rinomer strength 3", for cleaning and preventing nasal congestion.

We also recommend using an ambient humidifier to humidify the air, since we will be breathing through our mouths and, as we have indicated above, this can irritate the labial and oral mucosa.

Similarly, it can be helpful to use a cold pack to reduce swelling by placing it on your cheekbones for the first two or three days. Beyond this initial period, applying cold to reduce swelling will not be effective.

For people who wear glasses, we recommend using contact lenses for the first 8 weeks and we will explain after rhinoplasty when you can wear contact lenses.

We also recommend having a good facial moisturizer at home, as your skin will be somewhat irritated after surgery. Apply the moisturizer only to exposed areas , without touching or manipulating the splint or your nose at any time. If you had surgery during the peak sun exposure months , you should use sunscreen with the moisturizer. This way, you can go outside without worrying about pigmentation in the operated area.

Just as we use sterile salt water for nasal cleansing and decongestion, it's essential to take the medication we prescribed during your appointment. This medication is crucial for reducing both external and internal inflammation , which is what makes nasal breathing difficult.

Following these helpful post-operative recommendations will lead to a more satisfactory recovery after ultrasonic rhinoplasty . Additionally, you can consult with the plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Sordo, if you have any questions.

How to choose a plastic surgeon in Spain

Dr. Gustavo Sordo , a plastic surgeon in Madrid , specializes in rhinoplasty . He has over 20 years of experience as a rhinoplasty specialist in Madrid , including ultrasonic rhinoplasty , and is dedicated to providing personalized solutions for each patient, with both an aesthetic and functional focus.

Schedule your appointment right now!