“However, due to the special weather conditions of summer, candidates are concerned about the post-operative recovery process and ask for answers to many questions in order to avoid unpleasant surprises,” says the dr Irini Mantzari, MD, PhD Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT), Director of ENT Clinic, Nose Surgery Clinic, Functional and Reconstructive Rhinoplasty Metropolitan General which solves all questions about the different stages of recovery after a functional rhinoplasty.

What is Functional Rhinoplasty?

“Our goal with this operation is to individually design the ideal nose while correcting its functionality… This is achieved by improving the proportions and symmetry of the nose in relation to the rest of the facial features and in general the physiognomy of each person,” he points out and continues :

“A person’s appearance can be greatly improved when the centerpiece of the face, which is the nose, is properly proportioned. Typically, this approach involves changing several elements at once rather than just one, e.g. reduction of hump only. For example, simply removing the hump on a crooked nose can improve the profile, but the nose will not be straight unless changes are also made to the other elements that make it crooked. In other cases, the nostrils may need to be modified to look more harmonious with the rest of the tip of the nose, when it is thin, etc.”

Recovery after rhinoplasty in the summer

“The healing stages of rhinoplasty require care at every stage. By understanding what to do step by step and following your rhinoplasty surgeon’s instructions closely, you can prepare for your rhinoplasty in the summer without missing your vacation.

Each patient is different and therefore the needs often differ, but there are also many common elements and based on these we give you some general and useful advice below:

1. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water and natural juices help prevent congestion. Since the summer heat undoubtedly increases sweating, you may need to make sure you’re taking in more fluids than in the winter, so it’s a good idea to keep a bottle of water close by so you don’t miss out on aiding your recovery.

2. Sunglasses

When going out, be careful about sunglasses. The pressure that general and natural glasses and sunglasses put on the bridge of your nose can hinder the healing process or even negatively affect your result. Even though sunglasses are intertwined with the summer months, you should stop using them for the first 6-8 weeks. Wearing a hat will help you a lot in the summer sun, so you won’t feel like you’re “missing” your glasses. Our advice here is: face the sun in style.

3. Avoid direct exposure to heat

The first week after surgery is best spent indoors, and for a month or so after that, you should limit your direct exposure to the sun by using shaded areas and avoiding sunbathing after your dip in the sea.

4. The swimming pool would be good to avoid for a while

To be safe during your healing, it is best to wait a full month before returning to the pool because of the chlorine. In clean sea you can swim, about a week after removing the nose splint. Basic condition: avoid sunbathing, diving, water sports that can lead to injury and pressure” emphasizes the expert.

General instructions after rhinoplasty, regardless of season

“No matter what time of year you get your rhinoplasty done, whether it’s summer, fall, winter, etc., there are some things you should pay attention to that will ensure a quick and safe recovery:

1. Immediately after surgery

You may have some temporary post-operative drowsiness from the anesthesia. This is typical and normal! The same goes for feeling bloated and congested during this recovery phase.

2. A week later

You probably still have some swelling and maybe mild oozing and redness on the skin at this stage. This is completely natural and should not worry you at all as it will subside very soon. So focus on the big picture rather than the details at this stage. You can use free makeup (apply with clean hands and gentle manipulations) once the splint is removed. Around the nose you can paint carefully even before the splint is removed, as long as you don’t affect it so it doesn’t come out of place.

3. After 2+ weeks

The majority of severe symptoms have subsided at this stage and you have returned to your daily routine, except for vigorous exercise and activities that may result in facial bruising. The congestion is much milder but the nose is still not breathing, as it will be after 2-3 months.

Of course, when there is already difficulty in breathing, at this stage the operated people already feel much improved compared to what they were used to before the operation. While there is still congestion, you can easily manage it by using a humidifier in your room and drinking plenty of fluids, which will also help minimize swelling faster,” concludes Dr. Mantzari.