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In this article, we will discuss what to eat after rhinoplasty surgery. While most people focus on the surgery itself, knowing what to eat and what to avoid after a nose job can make a big difference in your comfort, healing speed, and final results.
We’ll break down what foods are safe after nose surgery, when you can return to solid food, and why certain ingredients like spicy or salty foods may delay healing. Whether you’re wondering if you can eat chicken, have ice cream, or when it’s safe to enjoy your favourite meals again—we cover everything you need to know.
Start with soft, bland foods like rice, pasta, chicken, or oatmeal during the first few days post-surgery.
Avoid spicy, hot, salty, or crunchy foods for at least 1–2 weeks as they can irritate nasal tissues and increase swelling.
Stay hydrated with plenty of water—avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drinks that are too hot or too cold.
Chewing should be minimised during the first week to prevent strain and swelling around the nose.
Reintroduce solid and protein-rich foods like dairy and lean meats gradually from week 2 onwards.
Anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, tomatoes, olive oil, and fatty fish can help reduce swelling.
Always follow your surgeon’s dietary advice before trying anything new, especially during the early healing period.
Eating right is an important part of the recovery process and following these recommendations will ensure you won’t hinder your progress.
On the day of your surgery, you will be asked to fast for a full twelve hours. It is important that this break from food and drink lasts so that your stomach can rest while the anesthesia wears off and also give your nasal tissues time to heal after any incisions have been stitched up.
Remember, liquid nutrition is still okay!
Breaking this fast should be done with food that you know will be easy on your stomach. Avoid anything that might cause you to feel nauseous and anything that is too cold or too hot.
Pasta, rice, fish, or chicken should all be fine to eat, so are soft foods such as oatmeal.
In the first week after surgery, you still must be conscious of your intake. Your nose will probably be blocked during this period which will be uncomfortable on its own.
You don’t wanna eat meals that will cause further mucus buildup and exaggerate this process, such as hot or spicy food.
You can eat soft foods such as eggs and strained soups that are made with meats or vegetables. Potatoes, pasta, salads, and meats that don’t require a lot of chewing are all good choices.
High fiber foods are also recommended as they aid normal bowel movements and help avoid constipation. Fruits, fresh or cooked vegetables, brown rice, or whole-wheat bread are some good examples.
During this time frame, it is also important to drink plenty of fluids so avoid caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, or soda which will cause dehydration. Keep to a healthy diet and plenty of water instead.
In the second week after surgery, you are cleared to eat more solid foods. You will probably still be experiencing nasal congestion and it is important that you make wise choices about what you consume at this time.
You can start having a protein-rich diet by including dairy products like milk or cheese as well as lean meats such as poultry or fish in your diet.
It is still important to avoid certain foods like hot or spicy food which will cause you pain and discomfort, as well as items with a lot of salt.
Eating healthy and maintaining your weight is also crucial to recovery at this stage in the process so stay away from junk food! Processed food also tends to be inflammatory which is the opposite of what you want.
We have just discussed options for a good diet following your nose surgery but you also wanna be aware of foods to avoid during the recovery period.
Spicy foods are not recommended at all during recovery post-op as they can cause a lot of problems such as irritating your mucous membrane and increasing blood pressure.
They also might cause you to sneeze and cause stomach issues.
Avoid anything hot, including peppers and other spicy items like curry during the recovery period.
Your nasal tissues will be sore and sensitive during the recovery process, so avoid foods that are too hot or too cold.
Avoid anything with ice cream as well as any other frozen items to keep your nose from getting further irritated by the change in temperature.
Similarly, although eating strained soup is recommended make sure it is cooled down somewhat before consuming it.
While it is important to stay hydrated during recovery, avoid anything that has a lot of salt.
Salt will increase your water retention but also worsen the swelling of your nasal tissues and slow down the recovery progress.
The list of foods to avoid includes any canned foods such as soup with high sodium content, salty snacks like chips or crackers, or salty cheeses such as feta.
During the first week following rhinoplasty surgery, you should refrain from chewing too much.
The constant movement of your jaws and upper mouth can lead to more swelling in the nasal area and chewy food pieces can be hard to swallow with a stuffed nose.
The list of what to avoid also includes chewing gum, hard candies, certain raw vegetables such as carrots, steaks, and jerkies.
Avoid any food with seeds as they can easily get lodged in your nose and nasal tissues which is painful.
Similarly, try not to chew too much on one side of your mouth because this often leads to a swollen face and sore mouth.
| Timeframe | What to Eat | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Water, clear liquids, broths | Solid food, caffeine, spicy or hot foods |
| Days 2–7 | Soft foods (eggs, oatmeal, pasta, soup) | Hard, chewy, spicy, salty foods |
| Week 2 | Soft solids, lean meats, dairy | Spicy, overly salty, processed foods |
| Weeks 3–4 | Most regular foods (chew with care) | Anything that causes pain or discomfort |
| Month 2+ | Normal diet (if cleared by your surgeon) | None unless instructed otherwise |
Anti-inflammatory foods are ideal for reducing swelling after nose surgery. These include leafy green vegetables (like spinach or kale), fruits such as berries, oranges, and apples, olive oil, tomatoes, nut butters, and fatty fish like salmon or mackerel. These support healing and help minimise inflammation.
Drink plenty of water throughout your recovery—it’s essential for healing and reducing swelling. Other hydrating options include coconut water or electrolyte-rich drinks. Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, overly hot, or icy drinks in the early days, as these can irritate nasal tissues or interfere with healing. You can read our detailed guide to drinking after nose surgery here.
It’s best to avoid spicy foods for at least 2–3 weeks after rhinoplasty. Spices can irritate nasal passages, increase mucus production, and even trigger sneezing—all of which can disrupt healing. Always check with your surgeon before reintroducing spicy meals.
Yes, soft-cooked chicken is a good protein source and can usually be eaten within the first few days post-surgery. Make sure it’s tender, easy to chew, and not heavily seasoned or spicy.
Ideal soft foods include scrambled eggs, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, steamed vegetables, rice, fish, and smoothies. These are gentle on your digestive system and require minimal chewing, which is helpful during the initial recovery.
Yes. Avoid spicy foods, salty snacks, overly hot or cold items, crunchy or chewy foods, and anything that causes excessive chewing like steak, gum, or raw carrots. These can irritate nasal tissue, increase swelling, or interfere with healing.
Most patients can begin transitioning to solid foods around the second week post-surgery, depending on their comfort level and healing progress. Start slowly with easy-to-chew options and avoid hard or crunchy foods for a bit longer.
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