Case #3004
Rhinoplasty
A woman in her 50s felt her nose was too large and wide for her face. Dr. Azadgoli performed a rhinoplasty with alar base reduction. Shown 1 year after surgery.
A woman in her 50s felt her nose was too large and too wide for her face. She wanted it narrower and more refined, without looking overdone or changing the overall look of her face. Dr. Azadgoli performed a rhinoplasty with alar base reduction to narrow the base of the nose. Her result is shown 1 year after surgery.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and high-dose fish oil two weeks before surgery; the surgical team provides a full medication list at the pre-op visit.
- Full nicotine cessation 6 weeks pre- and post-op. This includes vapes and nicotine replacement products; the constriction effect is the same.
- Wedge pillow or recliner for the first 7 nights. Low-sodium, easy-chew meals reduce both swelling and effort in the first few days.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Sleep elevated, gentle cold therapy, and quiet voice for the first 3 days. Bruising peaks midweek; swelling is at its most visible.
- Week 2
Stitches removed, residual bruising fading, social comfort returns. No lifting, no straining, no exercise yet.
- Week 4
The "I look like myself again" milestone for most. Camera comfort returns. Light cardio and yoga added back.
- Week 6
Standard clearance milestone. Patients return to most exercise, gym work, and sleeping in any position.
- Month 3
Tissue settles into final position. Subtle technique details (jawline definition, tip refinement) become visible now.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Rhinoplasty.
- External splint stays in place for 1 week
- Head elevated for sleeping for the first 2 weeks
- No glasses resting on the nose for 6 weeks
- Saline rinses to keep the internal lining clean during early healing
- Avoid direct sun for 3 months — SPF 50+ once incisions are sealed
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic on the columellar incision after sutures are removed
- Gentle facial cleansing only for the first 2 weeks
- LED light therapy weekly for 4–6 weeks to reduce swelling
- Lymphatic drainage starting week 2
- Skincare
Medical-grade skincare reintroduced at week 3 — gentle retinoid alternative first, full actives by month 2.
Active skincare resumes on a healing-friendly ramp after facial surgery.
