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Caring for Kids After a Nose Job

Parents that are planning to get rhinoplasty, the clinical name for what most people call a nose job, may worry about how they’ll handle child care in the first days and weeks after the surgery. The number 1 rule: Be careful, especially if you have toddlers. Sudden movements of a child’s head can do serious damage to a recently reshaped nose. 

Aside from protecting yourself from unintentional bumps, there are several other things to consider and steps you can take to ensure that your rhinoplasty recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Here’s a chronological overview of what to expect:

Before surgery: Planning ahead is a must, especially if you’re a child’s primary caregiver. If your spouse or significant other can’t take time off from work, then you’ll need someone to help with the children for a few days, at least, and especially if the kids are too young for school. It’s also a good idea to have a few pre-made meals in the refrigerator because cooking won’t be high on the list of things you want to tackle. It’s also a good idea to plan how you’ll explain why you have bruises and swelling in a way that’s appropriate for the children’s ages. Check out these tips for making that discussion easier here.

Day 1: Rest. Rest. Rest. All plastic surgeons provide post-op instructions to patients, and rest is at the top of the list for the first day or 2 after the surgery. This is when your partner or child care provider who you lined up before surgery starts earning their keep. 

Days 2–3: Rhinoplasty patients are sometimes surprised how soon after surgery they feel well enough to start taking care of light chores. “In general, the recovery after rhinoplasty depends on the how the person responds to the trauma of surgery and what was done to the nose,” says Toronto rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Richard Rival. “You can expect some bruising and swelling especially around the eyes and in the cheeks. There is some pain, but most people do not find it too bad. The biggest complaint is usually nasal congestion or pressure and a sore throat.”

After 1 to 2 weeks: By the end of the first week, you’ll probably feel capable of taking care of the kids on your own. If you work outside the home and don’t mind people knowing you had a nose job, you could even return to work after about 10 days. 

Even after you feel you no longer need help with taking care of the children, there are other factors to consider. These include:

Heavy lifting: Most surgeons recommend that their patients take it easy for the first 2 or 3 weeks of the recovery. That includes avoiding heavy lifting, so carrying a 20-pound child will require extra care. You’ll have to be careful about picking up your children too often; if you must, try to move as slowly and mindfully as possible.

Safe play: You’ll need to take care during playtime, too. Quiet activities are fine but, for the first 2 weeks after your rhinoplasty, try not to engage in rowdy activities with your kids that could result in a hit to the face.

Breastfeeding: New moms need to ask their surgeon if prescription painkillers are safe to take if they’re breastfeeding children. Some moms prefer to pump and store breast milk for their baby prior to rhinoplasty.

Taking care of your children after surgery is possible with a little help and preparation.  These tips even work if you are recovering from a sickness that leaves you unable to fulfill your regular mom duties. Make a plan and ensure everyone is on board and you’ll be back to Super Mom status in no time.

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