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| Facelift | Eyelid
Surgery | Brow Lift | Facial Implants
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Rhinoplasty | Ear Surgery
| Neck Liposuction
| Dermabrasion
| Photo Rejuvenation
| BOTOX
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Initially, there will be a slight improvement in the shape of the nose, but 70-80% of the swelling usually subsides by one month after the surgery. Once the Rhinoplasty surgery is over, patients tend to feel more energetic and breathe better out of their nose after the first week. It takes approximately one year for the other 20-30% of the swelling to subside and to see the final results. After leaving the Seattle Rhinoplasty Surgery Center, patients will begin their recovery at home in a stress-free comfortable environment. Most patients feel well enough to resume normal activities within two weeks after their surgery, including exercising and going back to school or work. The postoperative instructions are designed with patients in mind to help minimize any complications, swelling, pain and/or discomfort in the postoperative recovery healing phase. The instructions are given to the responsible caretaker and are reviewed with them in the recovery room prior to the discharge. 
The nose still has 20 - 30% edema and is still fragile and swollen. Postoperative instructions are given to emphasize protection of the nose while it heals in the first month after the surgery. Avoid hitting, contact sports, rubbing and bumping the nose because it can shift, move, and migrate the nasal bones. This could necessitate additional surgery. Dr. Portuese asks that patients avoid blowing their nose for the first week after the surgery, but sniffing is acceptable. If patients have to sneeze, it is best to sneeze with an open mouth and to not muffle the sneeze. With respect to cleaning the nose, most patients are able to gently clean the exterior of the nose with normal soap and water and the interior portion of the nose can be cleaned with saline. If there is crust formation, only Vaseline may be used on the inside for prevention of build-up of crusts along the incision lines. In the postoperative phase, in order to minimize swelling, most patients are instructed to keep their head elevated above their heart on extra pillows. This is only a suggestion, and not imperative, to help bring the swelling down faster. It is important to not do heavy lifting or exercise or anything else to raise the heart rate or blood pressure for at least two weeks. These activities aggravate swelling and raise blood pressure which can also cause a nose bleed. Dr. Portuese does not want patients to use any ice, gauze pads, frozen peas or cold compresses around the nose or eyes. Within the first week after the surgery, most patients are able to put glasses on right over the top of the cast and once the cast is removed, the glasses can be taped up to the forehead in the postoperative phase for the first one month after the surgery.