How do you wash your hair after rhinoplasty?

When can I wash my hair after rhinoplasty surgery?

Following rhinoplasty surgery, patients will have a nose splint (commonly known as a cast) and tape in place to help the nose to heal and keep it protected. The splint must stay in place for 7-10 days and is removed by a nurse at your local MYA clinical hub.

Rhinoplasty patients are advised they must not get their incisions wet for 7-10 days post-op and should avoid hot showers and warm temperatures as the steam and perspiration can cause the nose splint to loosen. Therefore, patients should avoid washing their hair for a minimum of 7 days to avoid accidentally wetting their splint or incisions. This isn’t ideal for a lot of patients, especially those with long hair but it is essential, as this could impact the final result of the rhinoplasty surgery.

It is wise to wait until your first post-operative nurse appointment before washing your hair so that the correct advice can be followed. It is important that patients attend all their post-op appointments at their MYA clinical hub for a nurse to monitor their healing and deliver wound care.

Patients can continue with their normal showering routine following splint removal, making sure that they do not apply direct shower pressure to the nose. Always check with the MYA clinical team before doing so, as every patient’s journey is slightly different.

MYA’s top tips for washing your hair post-surgery:

• Use dry shampoo or talcum powder as a short-term fix to keep your hair feeling fresh.

• Treat yourself to a wash and blow dry at your hairdressers – there is nothing more relaxing than someone massaging your scalp.

• Enjoy being a little bit lazy and skip hair wash day for a week or so.

• Pre-surgery – take the time for a thorough body wash and spend extra time washing your hair so that it may not require as many hair washes post-op.

• French plait your hair for surgery day – lots of patients find that having your hair scraped back into French plaits is a great way to keep your hair off your face and avoid you touching it, this will also help to keep it clean and tidy following your procedure. 

When can I go swimming following rhinoplasty surgery?

Patients who have undergone rhinoplasty surgery are advised not to go swimming for 6-8 weeks post-op. Please seek advice from your MYA clinical team before returning to water sports and activities.