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Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Athre

Does a New Nose Require a New Skincare Routine?

woman by concrete wall

Are you considering rhinoplasty but still questioning what the aftercare process looks like? It is more detailed than you might initially think. Postoperative care is very important to consider when getting a rhinoplasty, as it is crucial to minimize any complications on the road to recovery. This means that you may have to adjust your skincare routine to avoid irritating your incisions and preventing any problems from occurring.

Limit Your Use of Water by the Nose

When considering your skincare routine after rhinoplasty, it is important to keep your bandages dry to minimize the buildup of bacteria that can cause infections. Until your bandages come off, you should not splash water onto your face. Instead, use a soaked cotton pad or reusable cloth in sweeping motions on the areas around your bandages to remove any excess oils. After your bandages come off, you can use water and a normal face wash. However, you should still use a damp cloth to gently wipe the cleanser away to ensure that you’re not causing irritation to your skin.

Moisturize and Protect Your Skin after Nose Surgery

After your skin is clean and renewed, gently rub a fragrance-free moisturizer into your skin. Be careful to not get too close to your bandages. Once your bandages are off, it is recommended to use a barrier cream that will restore your skin’s natural protective barrier. Use very gentle movements, as the skin on and around your nose will still be tender and swollen. Once you’ve moisturized, don’t forget one of the most important steps in your rhinoplasty skincare routine: SPF. After surgery, your skin will be especially sensitive to UV rays. Even if you’re spending a lot of time in bed, it only takes a few minutes for the sun to start doing damage, so it’s best to be safe!

While you’re recovering, it’s OK to skip your full skincare routine after rhinoplasty. As long as your skin is kept clean, hydrated, and protected, you’ll be on the right path toward recovery.