In this article, we’ll explain what to eat after a nose job and what to avoid, as well as how to make a phased return to a normal diet.
Why your diet matters after rhinoplasty
As with any kind of surgery, your body enters a healing phase that requires extra energy and nutrients after rhinoplasty. The natural repair process triggers inflammation, which can mean swelling, bruising and discomfort in the immediate aftermath.
A well-planned post-rhinoplasty diet helps with this in a number of ways:
- Reducing swelling and inflammation
- Supporting collagen production and tissue regeneration
- Maintaining hydration, which is essential for circulation and healing
- Preventing nausea, constipation or blood sugar dips after anaesthesia
- Avoiding strain on your facial muscles, which can affect your stitches and swelling
Your nose is close to your upper lip and jaw muscles, so the things you eat straight after surgery should need only gentle chewing. Foods that require excessive chewing, strong jaw movements or opening your mouth wide put unnecessary pressure on healing tissues when they’re at their most delicate.
What to eat during the first 24 hours after rhinoplasty
If you’re wondering if you can eat after rhinoplasty, the answer is yes – but you’ll need to be careful about it.
In the first 24 hours after surgery, you might find you don’t feel that hungry. This is a normal consequence of anaesthesia, medications, nasal congestion or mild nausea, and nothing to worry about. The main thing to think about at this stage is hydration, comfort and keeping physical effort to a minimum.
At this critical stage, stick to soft and cold foods that are easy to swallow and don’t need chewing, such as:
- Smooth soups or broths (lukewarm, not hot)
- Mashed potatoes or vegetable purées
- Apple sauce or fruit purée
- Yogurt
- Protein shakes or meal-replacement smoothies (make sure they’re not too thick)
- Ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt
Cold foods are especially soothing because they may help reduce inflammation and numb mild discomfort.
Avoid these foods on day one
- Hot foods or drinks (these increase blood flow and swelling – see our guide on what to drink after rhinoplasty)
- Chewy or crunchy foods
- Anything spicy or acidic
- Alcohol or carbonated drinks
Small, frequent meals are often easier than large portions during this phase of your recovery.
Images source: Envato
Best foods to eat during your first recovery week
Beyond the first 24 hours, you can start expanding your diet. However, soft foods remain essential throughout the first week. The following foods will provide protein, vitamins and minerals while remaining gentle on your jaw:
- Scrambled or soft-boiled eggs
- Oatmeal or porridge
- Soft fish (such as salmon, cod or trout)
- Well-cooked vegetables (carrots, courgettes, squash)
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Avocado
- Rice or risotto
- Cottage cheese or soft tofu
- Smooth nut butters (if you’re not allergic)
Protein is especially important for your healing, as it supports tissue repair and immune function, so aim to include one source of protein in every meal.
Remember, you’ll need to continue avoiding foods that need forceful chewing, such as steak, crusty bread, raw vegetables or chewy sweets. Moving your jaw too much can increase swelling around your nose and upper lip.
What foods to avoid after rhinoplasty surgery
Here’s a checklist of foods you should steer clear of for the time being:
- Spicy foods: these can increase blood flow, irritation and nasal congestion
- Salty foods: these can cause fluid retention and worsen swelling
- Crunchy or hard foods: foods such as chips, nuts, toast and crackers are harder to chew and require excessive jaw movement
- Carbonated drinks: these increase bloating and internal pressure
- Alcohol: this interferes with healing and medications
For more on what you can and can’t drink, check out our detailed guide: Can you drink alcohol, coffee, tea or soda after rhinoplasty?
Can I eat spicy food, ice cream or drink milk after rhinoplasty?
1. Avoid heavy frames
Here are some of the most common post-op food questions Dr. Cuno gets asked.
Can I eat spicy food after rhinoplasty?
If you’re a curry addict, there’s bad news – it’s among the foods it’s best to avoid in the aftermath of rhinoplasty surgery. Spicy foods can increase blood flow to your nose and heighten inflammation, as well as potentially triggering sneezing or discomfort. Most patients will need to avoid spicy food for 1 to 2 weeks, sometimes longer.
Can I eat ice cream after rhinoplasty?
Yes! In fact, ice cream is one of the most commonly recommended foods after rhinoplasty. It’s cold, soft, easy to swallow and soothing. Just avoid flavours with crunchy bits in.
Can I drink milk after rhinoplasty?
Yes, milk is generally safe. However, if you have a dairy intolerance or find that it increases mucus production or throat congestion, consider dairy-free alternatives such as oat or almond milk.
Images source: Envato
Supplements to reduce swelling after rhinoplasty
If you’re looking for ways to reduce bruising and swelling after surgery, there are a few supplements you could try – but only with your surgeon’s approval. These include:
- Arnica montana: this may reduce bruising and inflammation
- Bromelain: an enzyme from pineapple that supports swelling reduction
- Vitamin C: supports collagen formation and immune health
Never start supplements without checking with your surgeon, as some of them can increase your risk of bleeding or could interact with prescribed medications. Avoid supplements such as vitamin E, ginseng, ginkgo biloba or fish oil unless specifically cleared.
Can you follow a normal diet after rhinoplasty?
For most patients, the return to a normal diet takes place gradually over a week or two, depending on swelling, comfort levels and the extent of the surgery they’ve undertaken. For a full return to your usual diet, you should be able to chew comfortably and there should be no discomfort around your upper lip or nose.
It’s good practice to continue to prioritise energy-rich foods and also those with anti-inflammatory properties, such as leafy greens, berries, olive oil and fatty fish, as these will keep supporting your healing in the coming weeks.
Tips to make eating easier after rhinoplasty
It’s normal for eating to feel a little awkward in the early days following surgery, but there are a few small things you can do to make it easier:
- Use a small, soft spoon or fork – children’s cutlery is ideal
- Take small bites of your food
- Avoid opening your mouth wide
- Don’t pull or stretch your upper lip
- Sit upright while eating
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce reflux and swelling
- Keep meals simple and stress-free
If you feel pressure, discomfort or fatigue while eating, don’t force yourself – pause and return later.
A recovery-friendly diet for your nose job
Your post-rhinoplasty diet is a key part of your recovery, and it’s just as important as resting and taking your medication. Here’s a final checklist of things to remember:
- Focus on soft, nutrient-rich foods during the first week
- Avoid spicy, salty, crunchy foods and alcohol
- Ice cream and other cool foods can be soothing
- Supplements may help, but only take them with your surgeon’s approval
- Most patients return to a normal diet within 1 to 2 weeks
The right nutrition helps support your body to heal, keeping swelling to a minimum, speeding up the recovery process and protecting the results of your nose job.
Learn more about rhinoplasty recovery time and habits
Diet is just one part of a successful recovery. To understand how healing progresses week by week, read our full guide on the recovery time for a rhinoplasty. Always follow your surgeon’s personalised advice, as every nose and every patient heals differently – and if in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask.
If you’d like to get some tailored guidance about your recovery plan, or you’re still at the stage where you’re considering rhinoplasty surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Cuno today to understand the safest approach for your lifestyle and goals.
