How long after rhinoplasty can I wash my face?

Feb 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I had rhinoplasty surgery last week and am currently in the recovery phase. I'm very concerned about when I can resume normal daily routines, especially washing my face. I'm worried that coming into contact with water too soon might affect the surgical area, yet I also feel that facial cleansing is important.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu

The surgical site needs to be kept dry and clean to avoid infection. Usually, doctors will advise patients to avoid contact with water at the surgical site for the first few days after surgery. This is because bacteria in the water may cause infection, and a moist environment is also conducive to bacterial growth.

In general, the timing for washing the face after rhinoplasty depends on the surgical method and individual recovery. For relatively simple rhinoplasty procedures, patients are usually able to wash their face 7-10 days after surgery. If the surgery involves adjustments in multiple areas, such as complex rhinoplasty with multiple procedures, or implantation of materials such as autologous cartilage, or if the patient has a more sensitive constitution and slower recovery, it is recommended to wait 10-14 days after surgery before washing the face.

It is recommended to undergo rhinoplasty at a reputable hospital under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure the safety and reliability of the procedure. Throughout the recovery period, patients should also maintain a healthy diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and ensure adequate rest to promote a speedy recovery.