How Do You Sleep After Rhinoplasty and Why Is It So Important for Your recovery?

As the most performed procedure among both men and women in the last three years, there's a good reason why rhinoplasty is so popular. As arguably the most prominent facial feature, an oversized or irregularly shaped nose can be a great source of embarrassment and frustration.

Nose surgery can quickly address any concerns about your nasal shape or profile and create a far more pleasing and balanced facial appearance. However, even if your rhinoplasty procedure goes exactly as planned, the way you sleep following rhinoplasty can be just as important as the procedure itself.

“How do you sleep after rhinoplasty?” is one of the most important questions you should be asking your doctor following rhinoplasty, and here’s why…

Why sleep matters so much after rhinoplasty

You can’t overstate the importance of rest in aiding a smooth and speedy recovery following rhinoplasty.

In the initial days and weeks following your procedure, your nose will be extremely sensitive, and improper sleep practices can quickly derail your recovery and jeopardize your results. The right sleeping practices will go a long way in supporting your immune system, encouraging correct blood flow, preventing accidental damage, and aiding a speedy recovery.

How do you sleep after rhinoplasty?

Sleeping on your back with your head in an elevated position is the best sleep position, as it helps to reduce swelling and minimize congestion. Propping yourself up on some carefully positioned pillows or sleeping in a reclining armchair (if you have one) with your head between a 35-45° angle is ideal.

When you’re off in dreamland, it can be easy to accidentally roll over onto your side or stomach, however, it’s important to avoid it at all costs.

While your bandages and splints will go a long way to protecting your nose while you’re asleep, sleeping on your stomach is an absolute no-no. Doing so will greatly increase the chances of causing damage to your nose and holds the very real potential of ruining your results. Similarly, sleeping on your side can add pressure and cause the lower nostril to become plugged with congestion, which is uncomfortable and can be difficult to remove without blowing.

Placing some extra pillows around your body to stop yourself from rolling over during your sleep can help. It’s also good to use a wraparound pillow like you would use on an airplane to prevent head-turning.

If you normally share a bed with a partner or any pets, it’s also worthwhile sleeping in separate rooms while you recover to avoid any accidental bumps from a hand, elbow or paw while you’re asleep.

How long do I have to sleep elevated after rhinoplasty?

If you’re having trouble sleeping after rhinoplasty, you probably want to know when you can return to your usual sleeping positions.

You’ll need to sleep in an elevated position for at least one week, however, it’s generally recommended that you wait around 10-14 days before returning to your regular sleeping positions. If you’re finding it relatively comfortable to sleep on your back, it’s good to continue to do so for as long as you can to ensure the best possible result.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether it’s safe to return to your usual sleeping positions, it’s always best to consult your doctor.

If you’re considering a rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Orloff at Burbank Plastic Surgery is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience performing rhinoplasty for males and females, with a reputation for achieving excellent results.

Find out more about rhinoplasty at Burbank Plastic Surgery or contact us to arrange a personal consultation.