Which Foods to Avoid After Rhinoplasty, and for How Long? Aftercare Guidance from BonBoz
After rhinoplasty, you need to avoid these foods for a full 1 month, not just the first week. Here is the list of foods to avoid, how to eat in the first week, and the follow-up schedule, based on BonBoz Clinic's aftercare guidelines.
Quick summary: After rhinoplasty, BonBoz Clinic advises following the dietary restrictions for a full 1 month, not just the first week. The foods to avoid include seafood, beef, glutinous rice, and water spinach, as well as alcohol, beer, carbonated soft drinks, coffee, fermented fish sauce, and fermented tofu. In the first week, stick to soft foods and chew evenly on both sides of the jaw. Follow-up visits are scheduled at fixed milestones: drain removal on day 1, nasal splint change on day 5, and suture removal on days 10–14.
How Long Should You Avoid These Foods? 1 Month, Not 1 Week
> Expert perspective — Dr. Nguyen Xuan Vu (MSc, Specialist Level II): A dry incision after one week does not mean the tissue inside the nose has stabilized. That is why I keep the dietary restrictions in place for a full 1 month and schedule fixed follow-up visits on day 1, day 5, and days 10–14, so each stage of recovery can be closely monitored.
This is the most common misunderstanding. The external incision dries up after about a week, so many people assume they can go back to eating as usual. But the tissue inside the nose is still stabilizing, which is why BonBoz Clinic's aftercare guidelines set the restriction period at 1 month.
In other words: the swelling going down does not mean you have fully healed. According to MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), most swelling after rhinoplasty improves within 2–3 months, but full recovery takes up to a year.
What Should You Avoid During the First Month?
According to BonBoz Clinic's post-operative care guidelines for patients, after nose surgery you need to avoid the following for 1 month:
Foods:
- Seafood
- Beef
- Glutinous rice products (sticky rice, Vietnamese sticky rice cake, sweet glutinous rice pudding, etc.)
- Water spinach
Beverages and condiments:
- Alcohol and beer
- Carbonated soft drinks
- Coffee
- Fermented fish sauce and fermented tofu
You should also limit fatty and sugary foods during this period.
What and How Should You Eat in the First Week?
In the first few days, how you eat matters just as much as what you eat. The clinic's guidelines state clearly: eat soft foods and chew evenly on both sides of the jaw. Chewing on one side creates uneven force on the area that was just operated on.
Suitable options:
- Porridge, soup, soft rice — no need to chew hard
- Soft-boiled eggs, chicken, and boiled lean pork — protein helps tissue recover
- Soft boiled leafy greens (except water spinach)
- Yogurt and fresh milk
- Soft fruits such as bananas, papaya, and ripe mango
- Warm water and plain water — stay well hydrated
Do not use a straw. Strong suction creates pressure in the mouth and nasal cavity, which can affect the area that was just operated on.
What Else Should You Do Alongside Your Diet?
Diet is only one part of recovery. BonBoz Clinic's aftercare guidelines also include:
- Days 1–2: apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes at a time, 5 times a day
- From day 3: switch to a warm compress
- Rest and do not touch your nose
- Take your medication on time as prescribed by your doctor
- Limit laughing loudly and talking too much — when you laugh, gently pinch and hold the base of your nose
- Do not wear glasses, and avoid tight masks that press on your nose
- Lie flat and avoid bumping your nose
What Are the Fixed Follow-Up Milestones?
You should not wait until something seems wrong before coming in. Post-rhinoplasty follow-up at BonBoz Clinic has clear milestones:
| Timing | Details |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drain removal |
| Day 5 | Nasal splint change, ear splint removal |
| Days 10–14 | Suture removal at the clinic |
| 1 month – 3 months – 6 months | Routine follow-up visits |
When Should You Notify Your Doctor Immediately?
Contact the clinic right away, without waiting for your scheduled follow-up, if you experience any of the following:
- Unusually severe swelling, pus discharge, or heavy bleeding
- High fever above 38.5°C
- Noticeable nasal deviation after the swelling has gone down
- Swelling, heat, redness, and pain in the nose, fluid discharge, or an exposed implant
BonBoz Clinic hotline: 0869 612 310 · 1900 5309.
What About After the First Month?
After the 1-month mark, discuss your case with your doctor at your follow-up visit to get guidance specific to you. Recovery time also depends on the technique used and each person's individual healing, so do not make decisions based on other people's experiences. The NHS (UK) also notes that it can take several months to see the full results of the surgery, and up to 6 months for swelling to fully resolve.
If you are unsure how long you need to follow the restrictions, or notice any unusual signs, please contact BonBoz Clinic for advice.
References
- MedlinePlus — Rhinoplasty, accessed 02/09/2026
- NHS (UK) — Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), accessed 02/09/2026
See also: 6 Criteria for Choosing a Reputable Rhinoplasty Clinic in Ho Chi Minh City
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to follow dietary restrictions after rhinoplasty?
According to BonBoz Clinic's post-operative care guidelines, the restriction period is 1 month, not just the first week. The foods to avoid include seafood, beef, glutinous rice, and water spinach, along with alcohol, beer, carbonated soft drinks, coffee, fermented fish sauce, and fermented tofu.
If the incision is dry after one week, can I go back to eating normally?
No, you should not. A dry external incision does not mean the tissue inside has stabilized. The clinic's guidelines keep the restriction period at 1 month, and you should talk to your doctor at your follow-up visit before changing your diet.
Why shouldn't I use a straw after rhinoplasty?
Strong suction creates pressure in the mouth and nasal cavity, which may affect the area that was just operated on while it is still healing.
What should I do if my nose bleeds while eating?
Stop eating immediately, lie down with your head elevated, and breathe slowly through your mouth. If the bleeding does not stop or is heavy, contact BonBoz Clinic right away at the hotline 0869 612 310 · 1900 5309.
When do I need to come in for follow-up visits after rhinoplasty?
There are fixed milestones: drain removal on day 1, nasal splint change and ear splint removal on day 5, suture removal on days 10–14, followed by routine follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
What foods can support wound healing after rhinoplasty?
To support healing, prioritize foods rich in protein (lean meat, eggs), vitamin C (oranges, guava, kiwi), and zinc (nuts, beans). These nutrients play an important role in tissue regeneration and in strengthening the immune system. However, keep in mind that diet is only one part of recovery, and following the post-operative care instructions from your BonBoz doctor remains the most important thing.
This article is for reference only and does not replace an in-person examination or a doctor's diagnosis. Actual results vary by individual condition.